A BOURNEMOUTH secondary school has retained its rating of Good following a visit from government inspectors.

But senior staff at The Bourne Academy have been warned to make improvements and told a full inspection will be carried out next.

Ofsted inspector Steve Smith carried out a short inspection for the first time since the Hadow Road school received the rating in 2014.

He told Principal Mark Avoth: "Leaders have nurtured a school culture that welcomes all pupils, regardless of background.The school engages well with parents, carers and the local community.

"The school is held in high regard by parents and local employers. This also explains why the school is over-subscribed."

He said safeguarding is effective and that pupils feel safe in the school.

He added: "Pupils do not think that bullying is an issue at this school and, if it does occur, it is dealt with effectively."

But Mr Smith identified areas for improvement, stating that the overall progress of pupils at the end of key stage 4 was below average last year and that progress was also below average in maths and science.

He said progress in humanities subjects was above average in 2017.

Looking to the future, Mr Smith said leaders and governors should ensure that the quality of teaching is improved and achievement raised across the curriculum.

He said they should ensure behaviour improves by reducing fixed term and permanent exclusions as well as reducing persistent absenteeism.

He also made recommendations to improve leadership.

Mr Avoth said: "We were looking forward to welcoming inspectors on site, and we were confident that the hard work of the Academy staff and students would be recognised.

"We felt it was a very fair inspection, carried out with great insight and professionalism. We were delighted with the content of the report which contained many tremendous compliments and some excellent feedback to help us progress even further."