Teachers at a secondary school are scared of students’ “gang mentality” with staff reportedly leaving in their droves, a survey has revealed.

Major concerns over behaviour “escalating out of control” at Bushey Meads School were laid bare in its latest annual staff survey, seen by the Observer.

Teachers talked about daily fights, “deteriorating” behaviour – particularly since Christmas – and students wandering around outside of lessons.

One staff member also claimed parents would question whether their child was safe “if they knew what was happening on a daily basis”.

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Head teacher Jeremy Turner said although it was one of the most negative surveys the school had seen, “I don’t believe it reflects the fantastic attitude of our students, or the dedication shown by our staff.”

He added it is “disappointing to see Bushey Meads School characterised in this way” and it would not comment on individual complaints or allegations.

Several incidents that reportedly took place in recent years have been flagged to the Watford Observer.

One reportedly saw a girl excluded after she struck another pupil with a chair, while another involved a male student allegedly being pinned down by police after trying to stab a girl.

A Jewish boy with special needs was also allegedly hurt badly during an attack in changing rooms – following which the student was only excluded for two days.

His family removed him from Bushey Meads soon after and claimed the attack was partly because he is Jewish, adding there were other antisemitism incidents at the school.

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One teacher wrote in the survey: “The amount of fights makes it feel like a very unsafe environment. Students walk around as if they own this place, even as a teacher I feel intimidated as I walk around busy parts.”

Another said: “There are gangs of students who essentially run some aspects of school. These students seem to do what they want, when they want to without any consequence.”

Pastoral staff are said to be “overstretched” and the amount of additional work being asked of teachers is “unreasonable and excessive”.

Another survey comment branded staff treatment “disgusting”, with some saying senior staff have taken “far too long” to recognise the discipline issues with barely a quarter of teachers agreeing leaders support staff well in managing behaviour.

There were also claims of large staff turnover, and almost an entirely new senior leadership team having to be recruited for the new school term.

Read more: Union warning as all staff ‘expected’ to attend Bushey Meads despite Covid guidance

The school, rated ‘good’ in its 2019 Ofsted inspection, is part of the Bushey St James Trust – which Mr Turner is a trustee and director of.

Responding to the criticism, Mr Turner said: “It is important to note the school has comprehensive safeguarding and complaint procedures which are utilised whenever a complaint is made within the school.

“This includes, where necessary, escalation all the way to governor and trustee level.”

Mr Turner said the challenges from the pandemic and cost of living could explain why staff satisfaction is lower than what the school would like.

He added: “Our staff turnover is lower than the average for Hertfordshire, and looking towards 2022/23, I am pleased to say the school is fully staffed and in a strong place to continue to deliver the high-quality, inclusive curriculum that we have built and developed.”