A BOURNEMOUTH secondary school has been graded as Requires Improvement following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

They said Oak Academy has "a legacy of low expectation" but said things are getting better since the school was taken over by the Ambitions Academies Trust last year.

The school, in Duck Lane, Kinson, has 475 pupils, including 26 students in its sixth form.

During a two-day visit inspectors said rates of exclusion are higher than the national average and that rates of absence are high.

They said pupils lack confidence in their ability and said teaching is not consistently good.

Inspectors described pupils as "compliant" but added: "There are remnants of low aspiration and therefore pupils are not always resilient when they find things difficult."

And they said the progress of disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs has been weak at the school.

But they stressed: "The progress of current pupils is improving and illustrates the positive changes that have been made since the school became part of the Ambitions Academies Trust in 2017.

"This is an improving school. The trust has provided significant support and a sense of moral purpose. Leaders are committed tot he personal development of pupils and to ensuring that they receive quality advice and guidance about their next steps."

Principal Richard Burgas told the Daily Echo: "“Our relentless drive to improve outcomes really is making a positive difference. I’m delighted that the hard work, energy and resilience given by all members of the Oak Community has been recognised."

Trust CEO Sian Thomas added: "Well done to the whole Oak community, staff, pupils and parents. Together you are really making a difference. It is by continually working together that the sustainable changes everybody is striving to achieve will be embedded."