'Inadequate' school showing improvement - Ofsted

A report into Montseye Academy in Rothwell earlier this year found several failings in the school

A school rated "inadequate" has made "green shoots of improvement", according to Ofsted inspectors.

Montsaye Academy in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, received the lowest rating in every area in a damning report published earlier this year.

But in a monitoring inspection, Ofsted said morale was "much improved" in the school.

Paul Ainsworth, from Pathfinder Schools which runs the site, said there was "still much more to do to fully implement the changes" needed.

In the report, published in January, inspectors found some pupils exhibited "very poor" behaviour that went unchallenged, and shouting and swearing was "commonplace".

Inspectors also felt youngsters were not prepared for life in modern Britain, homophobic comments were "routine" and some pupils experienced racism.

The father of one pupil, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC his daughter was too frightened to go to school, while a parent of a boy said the family was forced to move home by racist bullies.

New leadership

The monitoring visit, which took place on 16 and 17 April, found school had begun to "develop more ambitious and progressive subject curriculums".

Ofsted's report, which has not affected the school's rating, said work was being done "to raise expectations of learning and to improve teaching for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities".

"Staff are optimistic and hopeful about the school's improvement," the report said.

Inspectors added: "The green shoots of improvement in pupils' behaviour and attendance are beginning to emerge."

The school said current principal at Rushden Academy, Ben Baines, would take up the role at Montsaye from September.

Mr Ainsworth said: "I am confident that, with Ben Baines bringing fresh leadership, and the changes already under way, Montsaye can become the great school staff, students and the community deserve."