CHESTERTON Primary School in Cirencester has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted and put into ‘special measures’.

The most recent report represents a two-grade drop from a ‘good’ rating in March 2013.

Inspectors who visited the school in November noted that the school needed to improve the attendance of pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ofsted said the school also needed to improve its quality of teaching, learning and assessment, and focus on raising pupils’ achievement.

Staff and governors at the school are now working with Gloucestershire County Council and the Regional Schools Commissioner to find an Academy Sponsor to support the underperforming school.

The process may take several months.

However, plans for rapid improvements are already being put in place by the school.

Inspectors noted that the school had several strengths: pupils feel safe and happy at school, children in the nursery make a strong start, and pupils in the specialist centre for communication and interaction are taught well.

They acknowledged that the school had come through a disruptive and turbulent period with frequent and significant changes in senior leadership and support staff as well as within the governing body.

Karen Venner, head teacher at Chesterton Primary School, said: “We’re obviously disappointed in the outcome, however the report confirms my own assessment of what areas require improvement at Chesterton and I am committed to leading a programme of changes.

“With the support of our dedicated senior leadership team, governors and the local authority we can make the rapid progress on the quality of teaching, learning and assessment that is needed”.

David Lacey, chair of governors at Chesterton Primary School, said: “We know that the outcomes for our pupils are not where we want them to be yet, but we are making progress and we are fully committed to helping the children achieve their goals.

“Our school motto is “Growing Together, Learning Forever” and these are underpinning everything we do to help make the school stronger.”

Jane Lloyd-Davies, head of education performance and intervention at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "We will continue to give the school all the support they need throughout this process.

"We are working closely with the headteacher, staff and board of governors to make sure there is a clear plan in place. This will ensure the quality of teaching and, most importantly, the rate of pupil progress increases as soon as possible.”

A full Ofsted report was published on Thursday. Read about it here.