INSPECTORS have judged that a Pershore school requires improvement leading to “angry” parents demanding answers.

Abbey Park Middle School had been rated as good in two previous inspections carried out by Ofsted in 2010 and 2014. But an inspection team went out for the latest inspection, between October 23 and 24, and in the now published report inspectors say that “this is a school that requires improvement”.

The school’s headteacher has stressed that the school is already making “positive changes” with the aim to raise standards.

The Abbey Road school received the requires improvement rating for effectiveness of leadership and management, the quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the outcomes for pupils.

In the report inspectors said: “Teachers do not plan learning that matches pupils’ abilities closely enough. As a result, middle and high-attaining pupils do not make the progress of which they are capable.

"Some teachers do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can achieve. They do not have a secure knowledge of the standards pupils should be working at for their age.

“Leaders and governors do not make sure that additional funding is making a positive difference to pupils’ outcomes, including those of disadvantaged pupils.”

One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “A lot of parents are very angry.

“Why has this happened? A lot of angry parents are demanding answers which the school is not providing.”

The report also highlighted strengths of the school, rating personal development, behaviour and welfare as good.

The report said: "The recently appointed executive headteacher and head of school have quickly and accurately identified the school’s strengths and weaknesses. They have already begun to make improvements. Systems are now in place to hold staff to account for the quality of teaching and pupils’ progress."

Rebecca Scully, executive headteacher,said: "We are naturally disappointed to have got an overall judgment of requires improvement.

"However, there are some really encouraging comments made in the report that reflect the positive changes already being made and the belief from the inspectorate team that the school has the ability to raise standards ensuring all groups of children get a fantastic education.

"Following the publication of the report, we held a meeting with parents to discuss our action plan."One parent who attended the meeting commented “he had confidence in the strength of the new leadership team to rapidly bring about improvement, whilst maintaining the excellent care and nurture that the school has always provided”.

"In the eight weeks since starting both myself and head of school have acted quickly and accurately in making improvements."