A SCHOOL with ‘low standards’ in English and maths has been placed in special measures.

Great Marsden St John’s School, Nelson, was found by Ofsted to be inadequate in a recent inspection.

However the school says a development plan to improve is in place.

The Church of England school was rated 12 months ago as ‘Requires improvement’.

And in November, an inspection found standards were too low in English and mathematics and said pupils did not make enough progress.

Lead inspector Christine Millett said: “Managers and governors have not acted quickly enough to bring about the necessary improvements.

“Gaps in the attainment of pupils widened even further in 2013. Over time, there has been too much inadequate teaching.”

She added: “Leadership and management over several years have not held teachers adequately to account for pupils’ low attainment and inadequate progress because the leadership of teaching is weak.”

However, she said the executive headteacher and the acting headteacher have quickly formed an accurate view of the school’s strengths and weaknesses.

She said: “In the short time that they have been in school, they have moved swiftly to start addressing some of the key areas.”

It was also noted that attendance had improved and that the majority of parents who responded to the online questionnaire recorded that they would recommend the school.

Andrew Peers, executive headteacher, said: “No school wants to be in special measures and it is our intention to have that rating removed as soon as possible.

“St John’s is undergoing considerable change. As the report notes, three-quarters of teaching staff were new in post in September 2013. A new, permanent headteacher will join the school in January.

“She fully understands the challenge ahead and, like myself and the governors, is determined to ensure every child in our care receives the very best education.

“Our aim is now to make sure we have excellent teaching, exciting lessons and pupils who make rapid progress. I’d like to reassure our parents that we are up to the job and thank them for their continuing support.”