Telford's Phoenix Secondary School told it must improve

Phoenix Secondary School in Dawley was categorised as a 'Grade Three' school by Ofsted as part of a marking system where Grade one is Outstanding and Grade Four is inadequate. The report describes the comprehensive school as one that "requires improvement, is not yet a good school, but is not inadequate".

The Specialist Sports and Science College on Manor Road was assessed by Ofsted on March 19.

The report found that the achievement of pupils, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and leadership and management at the school all requires improvement, emphasising that students' achievements in English is not rapid enough and the quality of teaching in mathematics is not strong enough.

The report also documented that teachers do not always set work that is demanding enough for more able students and describes teaching across the school as "inconsistent".

Safety of the school and behaviour of pupils also requires improvement, with attendance at the school, although improving, still below the national average.

Headteacher Mr Stonehouses said: "The senior leadership team and the governors have plans in place and have made changes since September to secure these improvements."

Ofsted said school had managed to achieve "rapid progress" in some areas, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics. It also praised staff as being "eager to improve".

The report also found that "all students are equally valued and included in what the school has to offer".

Mr Stonehouse added: "At Phoenix we are absolutely committed to continue to improve student outcomes, their progress, achievement and attainment. We expect our examination performance to jump back up again this next year to be the best ever in the history of the school."

Chair of governors, Mr Graham Clark said: "The Ofsted report is very complimentary about the recent improvements the school has made. Governors are committed to working closely with senior leaders and parents in ensuring that all students are able to achieve their potential. We already have plans in place to ensure the areas for improvement identified by Ofsted are achieved. We are all very excited about the future of Phoenix."

The government has given the school permission to convert to an Academy, and in the autumn this year the school will also be leaving the present site and moving into a purpose built state of the art Academy in Dawley. Due to the grading the school will receive a further full inspection within the next two years.