Two failing schools could be merged into an academy after the latest critical Ofsted report.

Both St Andrew’s Infant and Junior Schools in Hickory Avenue, Greenstead, have failed to make enough progress to be taken out of special measures.

The infant school was first put into special measures in January 2012 and has since had five interim inspections.

The latest report for the junior school, which has been in special measures since May last year, was published on Wednesday.

It found there had been some improvements, particularly in terms of the leadership team, but there was still much to be done.

A joint statement issued by junior school headteacher Susan Locke and executive headteacher Iain Birtwell said: “We are delighted that Ofsted, in their second monitoring visit, have recognised the drive and improvements being made at school towards being removed from Special Measures.

“Whilst Ofsted have acknowledged the progress we are making in a wide range of areas the school is quite clear that we still have to build on these achievements and to raise standards even higher, and we are determined to do so, whilst progressing on our transformation into a primary academy.

“The leadership in the school has been secured for the remainder of the school year with Mr Birtwell continuing in his role as Executive Headteacher supported by an Acting Head Teacher.”

Mrs Locke will stay with the school until Easter and her replacement is yet to be officially announced.