OFSTED inspectors have demanded Leasowes Community College improve mathematics teaching after giving the school a “satisfactory” mark for the third report in a row.

Inspectors visited the specialist business and enterprise school at the end of February at two days notice and attended 40 classes in the school before compiling their report.

The inspectors praised the new headmaster of the school Neil Shaw for his impact but noted attendance and teaching at the school also needs to improve.

Her Majesty’s Inspector Michael Brown said: “This is a satisfactory college.

“It is not good because achievement in mathematics is satisfactory, teaching is not consistently good, attendance is improving but remains low.”

However, the inspectors noted that the school has been trying to improve attendance.

The report stated: “Attendance is low. It has improved and the college is making great efforts to improve it further, for example by employing two attendance officers and informing parents and carers immediately when their child is absent.”

The report added: “The proportion of students who achieve five or more GCSE passes at grades A*−C is well above average. Achievement in mathematics has been low.”

New headmaster Neil Shaw was praised by the inspectors with the report stating: “The effective leadership provided by the principal has made a significant difference to the way in which the college operates.

“He has the respect of staff and students and his ambition and drive are shared.

“Consequently virtually all staff who completed questionnaires say they are proud to be a member of staff and the college is well led and managed.”

In a bid to improve standards at schools like Leasowes under new Government plans there will no longer a “satisfactory” rating by Ofsted and it will be replaced with “requires improvement”.

Leasowes Community College principal Neil Shaw said: “As with all inspection reports we have been given challenges and targets to meet but we are confident that the college is moving rapidly in the right direction.

“Overall, the experience was instructive and helpful in our drive to realise the full potential of all associated with the college.”

He added: “I thank everyone involved for their efforts and hard work.”