A SCHOOL has been ordered to improve after students failed to meet expected standards.

The Deanes School, Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, has been rated as requiring improvement during the first inspection since becoming an academy.

Education watchdog Ofsted has raised concerns about the academic achievements of the students at the school in some areas.

The report states: “Despite recent improvements, some parts of the curriculum are not developed well, and pupils do not achieve as well as they should.

“Curriculum plans for science and mathematics, for example, have been reviewed recently.

“Over time, pupils have not learned as much as they should have in either of these subjects.

“Teachers of mathematics and science do not know enough about what pupils have learned in the past.

“This makes it hard for teachers to choose how and when to teach different topics.

“Pupils do not complete the key stage three curriculum in sufficient depth to achieve well.

“In order to start key stage four early, pupils finish studying some subjects before they have learned enough about them.

“Leaders do not have effective ways to find out what pupils have learned during key stage three.”

The report also found some subjects are well planned and taught.

The watchdog noted that in English, much has recently been done to improve what is taught, when it is taught, and how it is taught.

The report adds: “The experience of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities varies from subject to subject.

“They achieve the most in subjects where there are high expectations for all pupils.

“As with other pupils, their education is weaker.”

The school was praised for good behaviour from students and the inspectors said it will help them to achieve.

Headteacher Desi McKeown said the school has made some improvements since reopening and was aware more work was needed.

He said: “Ofsted has recognised the significant improvements since our last inspection and we are very pleased to have been rated as good for behaviour and attitude and personal development.

“As always, we are aware that we are continuing on our journey of improvement and plans were already in place. I would like to thank our staff, students and parents for their support and for their significant contribution to the school.”