DRASTIC action is to be taken to turn round a failing Thurrock school.

The Gazette understands that Grays School Media Arts College has failed a surprise Ofsted inspection and may be the subject of special measures.

Inspectors attended the troubled Hathaway Road school for two days last week. It is believed that their report, to be published later this month, has highlighted serious flaws in the management and leadership of the school.

It has also made reference to outdated policies, underachieving core subjects (English and Maths) and a failure to provide adequate religious education across the school.

Inspectors are also reportedly unhappy at the level of attainment for boys at key stage 4.

The inspectors were reportedly impressed with many individual teachers' lessons and the culture of some departments.

Schools in special measures are judged to be failing to give their pupils an adequate education. They face being closed down if they do not improve quickly enough.

Less than 1% of schools in England and Wales fall into this category. As of May 2007 there were 256 secondary schools that had fallen into this category.

Schools placed into special measures receive intensive support from local authorities, additional funding and resources, and frequent reappraisal from Ofsted until the school is no longer deemed to be failing.

Furthermore, the senior managers and teaching staff can be dismissed and the school governors are replaced by an appointed executive committee. Other inadequate schools are given a Notice to Improve.