SCHOOL inspectors have found that West Somerset College 'must improve' in every area.

The school was previously judged to be 'good' but has now been downgraded to 'requires improvement' after the latest review by Ofsted.

Inspectors examine a number of areas, from the quality of the education provided to behaviour and attitudes among pupils. They decided the school was 'not good' in every area.

According to Ofsted rules, an inadequate grade indicates that: "A school that is not good but overall provides an acceptable standard of education."

The fresh review, published on June 30, raised concerns over teaching. It reported that: "The curriculum is not delivered as effectively, and the choice of learning activities does not suit the needs of pupils.

"Teachers use a range of approaches to check pupils’ understanding. In the most successful examples, this information is then used purposefully to plan what comes next. Nevertheless, some pupils find it challenging to use what they remember from their previous learning to help them with what comes next."

It also found that a significant number of parents remain dissatisfied with with the service that the school provides and that some staff complained of feeling undervalued.

The school came under particular criticism for rates of attendance amongst pupils, with many missing out on 'significant' learning time:

"The overall attendance of pupils across the school is too low. Therefore, some pupils, including some students in the sixth form, are missing a significant amount of learning time. Leaders should ensure that the attendance of all groups of pupils improves rapidly."

West Somerset College now risks being graded as inadequate if by the time of its next inspection it fails to achieve a rating of 'good'.

Ofsted said: "If, at the next graded inspection, the school has not demonstrated that it has improved to good, the lead inspector will need to consider whether it continues to require improvement or may be inadequate.

"If the school has demonstrated improvement in some areas and there is a general upward trend, but key aspects of performance remain less than good, the school may be judged as requires improvement again."

However the college did come in for praise in some areas. Ofsted found that senior leaders had a clear vision of how to improve the school and that most students with special educational needs are well supported:

"Senior leaders, including trust leaders and governors, have a clear vision for the improvement of the school. The recent appointment of the headteacher and other senior staff is starting to have an impact on raising standards at the school.

"Most pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are well supported. Leaders ensure their specific needs are identified quickly when they join the school. The progress of pupils with SEND is reviewed regularly."

Ahead of the report's publication, the headteacher of West Somerset College, Nikki Doughty, said: "I was immensely proud of how the students conducted themselves during the inspection. The Inspectors have commented on many of the strengths of the college and the quality of care and learning environment that we provide.

"May I take this opportunity to thank our families and the wider community for the continued support of the school."

West Somerset College has been approached for further comment but did not respond before publication.