We will get better, headteacher pledges

Staffordshire University Academy was rated inadequate by Ofsted after inspectors observed objects being thrown during lessons and a homophobic slur being used.

But fighting back, Rowena Hillier, the head at the 600-pupil school, has vowed her school will come out of special measures at the first possible opportunity.

She said: “We were surprised by this judgement as it does not recognise the significant progress that has been made in the last two years. 2016 saw record levels of performance.

“We reacted rapidly to our inspection and have already made important changes to strengthen our current behaviour policy and systems. We have made three additional appointments to the senior leadership team to initiate the further improvements needed.”

She added: “We hope that parents, students and the local community will all give us the support we need to ensure we achieve a ‘good’ judgement during our next full inspection.We are determined to make rapid improvements and remain fully committed to help our students excel and be the best that they can be.”