THE NEWLY appointed head of a Bournemouth school has said plans are in place to rectify issues raised by Ofsted after receiving a ‘requires improvement’ rating.

Education inspectorate Ofsted found the Oak Academy in Duck Lane, Bournemouth, needed to improve in three out of four rating parameters following two visits in May.

Among the primary issues found were disruption and “poor attitudes” to learning from some students and that the school’s behaviour policy needed better implementation.

However, Oak Academy did receive a ‘good’ rating in inspectors’ assessment of its personal development for pupils.

Bournemouth Echo: Stock classroom. Picture: RadarStock classroom. Picture: Radar (Image: Radar Al)

Describing what it is like to attend the academy, the report said: “Leaders and staff know pupils well. They want pupils to do well and promote positive values through and beyond the curriculum, for example the school’s kindness campaign.

“The attendance of pupils is showing improvement and the number of fixed-term suspensions has reduced. However, several pupils repeat the same behaviours, resulting in numerous suspensions.

“Leaders share strong values. They have a clear vision about how to provide high quality education for all pupils. However, this is not yet fully realised, as there remain inconsistencies in the quality of education pupils receive. This is because curriculum development in some areas is still at the early stages.”

In response to the report, recently appointed principal Hayley Richley said: “The leadership team recognise and already have renewed plans in place to strengthen the curriculum and support our pupils to overcome gaps in their knowledge.

Bournemouth Echo: Designs approved for Oak Academy school with rebuild due to be complete in 2024Designs approved for Oak Academy school with rebuild due to be complete in 2024

“We are continuing to refine further our pastoral team to ensure that pupils requiring additional support in their learning receive it quickly.

“With the new academy building which will be opened in September 2024, a recently appointed leadership team and continued support from Ambitions Academies Trust, Oak Academy will continue to deliver a high-quality education the community will be proud of.”

At the time of the report, 434 children aged between 11 and 16 were on the school’s roll.

As part of the government's £1billion School Rebuilding Programme, Oak Academy could soon see new school buildings constructed with a range of facilities including a new canteen and workspaces.