FARNHAM Heath End School has been given a ‘requires improvement’ rating by Ofsted during its February inspection. However, staff say they are stepping up to the mark to make sure this is only temporary.

The rating was given on a number of grounds, the gap between the achievement of disadvantaged pupils and others widened in 2015 but is not narrowing quickly enough currently; and the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was said to be variable within and between departments.

As a result, the report continues, pupils do not make good progress in many subjects and the progress that many pupils make in mathematics and science is much less than similar pupils nationally.

However, teachers and other staff were praised for creating an environment where pupils can learn and are encouraged to do their best. The inspection also found that pupils are proud of their school and are keen to talk about what makes it different to other schools locally.

Heath End head Nick Phillips said: “The issues that the inspection identified were all issues that I, senior leaders and governors were aware of and are actively tackling. In particular the inspectors were concerned about the dip in results last year and progress that disadvantaged students and those with special education needs make.

“They identified some areas where rapid improvements are being made and where standards are high and have challenged us to make sure that this is happening for all students in all lessons.

“The main body of the report recognises an environment where students want to do well, and I agree wholeheartedly with this. While the majority of staff, parents and students have very high expectations we now need to make sure this can be said for everyone.”

The challenge for the students is to take more pride in their work and present their work well.

The school is already tackling the issue and would like parents to support them in the following ways; ensuring pupils are properly equipped for school and arrive on time; looking at their child’s work to reinforce the high expectations on them, and taking part in the parent-work scrutinies that will start later this term.

At this stage the school needs parents’ support to help it move rapidly back to good.

“Everyone at the school is working extremely hard to address all of the issues identified in the report and my challenge, along with senior colleagues and governors, is to drive that improvement while maintaining the goodwill, enthusiasm and passion of our teachers” added Mr Phillips..

However, the Ofsted grading hasn’t swayed parents views with one commenting: “I have nothing but praise for how my sons are being given the knowledge required to be the best they can be”.

Another thanked the school for everything it has put in place to help her daughter achieve her best.