POOLE High School needs to improve across the board, a critical Ofsted inspection report has concluded.

The Wimborne Road secondary, whose head teacher Fan Heafield retired at the end of term, has been told to improve in all five main areas inspected.

Borough of Poole has since pledged to work in partnership with the school's senior leadership team and governing body to address the issues highlighted.

Poole High School vice chairman of governors Jeff Hart said: "The inspection has pointed out many strengths but also areas where we need to improve.

"We acknowledge this and will be planning with the new head teacher how best to address the identified priorities.

"We have a governing body that covers all the necessary skills and we will be immediately paying attention to the school's future improvement."

The report concluded that the school's leadership & management, behaviour and pupil safety, teaching quality, pupil achievements and sixth form provision, all required improvement.

Ofsted's last inspection of the high school, carried out in 2011, rated it good overall.

Mr Hart said: "The governors of Poole High School work hard with the staff to ensure the best outcomes for our students. I am sure the arrival of a new head teacher for the new academic year will see the school continue to move forward.

While judging the school as requiring improvement, inspectors did identify a number of strengths.

Inspectors acknowledged students felt safe on campus and that bullying had been greatly reduced.

Vicky Wales, head of children, young people and learning, Borough of Poole, said: "The council will work in partnership with the governing body and the school's senior leadership team to address the areas of improvement highlighted in the inspection report.

"We are confident that the school's post-inspection action plan will address the issues identified by Ofsted.

"The governing body has very clear expectations and a strong desire to improve the school's performance."