A DAMNING Ofsted report has said a school in Great Missenden is “failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education”.

Inspectors who carried out a review of the Misbourne School said it needs 'special measures' because the people responsible for leading, managing or governing the school are “not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement”.

It was given a rating of 'inadequate' – the lowest possible ranking – in several areas, including for its overall effectiveness, capacity for sustained improvement and the use of assessment to support learning.

The report, which was sent to the parents of the Misbourne Drive school's 1,225 pupils and Sixth Form students on Friday, said progress addressing priorities recommended by an earlier review had been 'too slow'.

It added: “There is a trend of slow progress and poor use of assessment data is preventing the school from raising attainment as quickly as it should.”

The report said the recent high turnover of staff had had an 'adverse impact' on teaching standards, noting some teaching was 'poor'. It said the school had relied on 'some long-term supply teachers'.

The report said students often have to share textbooks and 'information and communication technology is under-used'.

Student achievement in the school's specialist art and technology subjects was 'above average' and the report said the Sixth form “reflects a more positive picture and its effectiveness is satisfactory overall”.

But the report added: “Recruitment of teachers has been difficult and this, coupled with poor teaching, has led to significant underachievement, particularly in English and mathematics.”

The school has not responded to the BFP's request for a comment.

To view the report, click the link below.