An under-fire school has insisted “the foundation stones” for progress are in place following a critical Ofsted report.

Future Academies Watford was rated ‘requires improvement’ in a report published on Tuesday, following inspections on June 28 and 29.

The secondary school was told a “significant proportion” of pupils’ behaviour is “unacceptable”, and the needs of children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are not well met.

It comes after footage of chaotic scenes emerged last month with police detaining a pupil for allegedly assaulting a staff member.

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Inspectors rated education quality, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management as ‘requires improvement’, while sixth-form provision and personal development was ‘good’.

They wrote: “A significant proportion of pupils’ conduct falls below the required standard. Where this happens, pupils’ learning is disrupted.

“Leaders identify that behaviour requires improvement. They have implemented a range of behaviour systems. While leaders’ expectations around behaviour for learning are much higher than they previously were, they are not efficiently using the information that the new systems are providing them with.”

This was partly demonstrated by the “high number of fixed-term exclusions”, inspectors added. “Persistent absence” also remains high despite strategies to improve attendance post-pandemic.

Last month Future Academies said it had taken “the strongest possible action” to address a social media trend that reportedly involved stampeding students.

It led some parents to claim the school had “lost control”, but others said parents “need to up their game and raise good human beings”.

Inspectors pinned the poor behaviour on a “significant minority”, adding most pupils behave and achieve well and enjoy learning. Sixth-form students were well-prepared and supported, and “demonstrate mature approaches to learning and are good role models”.

Provision for personal development was also praised, with pupils engaging well with “the wide range of opportunities leaders provide” such as lessons, assemblies, and external visitors.

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Deborah Warwick, principal at the school, said: “This was our first inspection since our school joined the Future Academies Trust.

“We are not denying that the last few years have been turbulent. We have changed trusts and managed the uncertainty and disruption of Covid. Inspectors saw that we have a strong vision for this school and we are working to deliver that vision and are moving forward with pace and purpose.”

She added improvements have already been made and upon reinspection inspectors will see “the fantastic school with amazing young people and staff”.

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