A Leek school has been handed a 'requires improvement' rating in its latest Ofsted inspection.

The rating was given to St Edward's Church of England Academy on Westwood Road, which teaches children aged between 9 and 13.

The school was given an overall rating of 'requires improvement', the second lowest out of the four ratings of 'outstanding', 'good', 'requires improvement' and 'inadequate'.

The inspection praised several aspects of the school but also identified several areas where improvement was necessary.

In specific categories, it was given a 'requires improvement' rating for the quality of education, as well as leadership and management. However, it was rated 'good' in the categories of behaviour and attitudes and personal development.

The school was also given a 'requires improvement' rating in its previous inspection in 2018, however it was rated 'good' in the inspection before that, which took place in 2014.

The latest inspection took place in February 2022, with the results being published this month.

The inspection found that pupils achieved well in subjects with well-structured curriculums, although it added that the curriculum in all subjects did not help pupils "to develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful".

The inspection praised the school's reading structure, pastoral system, behaviour management and trustees.

However, it also said that the school's leaders "do not have an accurate view of the school's strengths and weaknesses" and "are unable to take effective action to address areas needing development".

It added that "some subject leaders have not identified the important information that pupils need to know" and that "leaders have not made sure that the school's curriculum is of sufficient breadth and depth in Years 7 and 8".

The school's Principal, Tom Hutchinson, has since called the rating "a disappointment and frustration", adding that the school challenged some of Ofsted's comments and were successful in securing changes to the report, although the overall grade did not change.

If you would like to read the full inspection, it can be found on the Ofsted website.