Harlescott Junior School placed in special measures

A Shrewsbury primary school has been placed in special measures following a damning report from Ofsted. Inspectors said Harlescott Junior School provided 'inadequate education'.

Inspectors had visited the school in September. The report published today said just under half of pupils in year 6 failed to meet nationally expected levels in English and maths.

Listen to The Severn radio station's interview with chair of governors Malcolm Price by clicking on the podcast player at the top.

It said teachers's expectations for what pupils could achieve was 'too low' and that pupils were often given work that was too easy. It concluded: "Pupils are not developing the basic skills they will need in later life."

But the headteacher Stephanie Peters, who joined the 265-pupil school in January, said: "It's very important that we provide each and every one of our pupils with the right level of challenge so they all make the best possible progress.

"We are already working very hard with support of advisors from the council on an action plan that will spearhead improvements.

"We have put in place more rigorous assessment systems that will provide teachers with the information to plan suitably challenging work for all pupils."

A copy of the report has been sent to all parents.

Chairman of governors Malcolm Price said: "We know our school has many strengths and the inspectors recognised that the majority of parents are satisfied with what the school does for their children. But this report gives us a clear challenge to make some important improvements and to make them urgently."