A school in Burnham has been put into special measures by OFSTED inspectors after they decided it was failing to give its pupils a satisfactory standard of education

The report, not yet published, identified four key issues where St Peter's High School, a specialist technology college, must improve and school heads have said the support of the community will be essential to the school's future.

The report said that the school must continue to raise the attainment of pupils, with greater regard to those of a higher ability; establish a learning culture which improves the attitudes of the pupils; improve the quality of teaching and increase the effectiveness of management at all levels.

Inspectors visited the Southminster Road school in October following a request from MP John Whittingdale after complaints from parents.

It said that the school has some highly effective teachers, but that the quality of teaching varied widely.

Hazel Steele, headteacher of seven years, recently resigned and will leave the school in January, being replaced by David Stephenson.

In a joint statement Mr Stephenson and Mrs Steele said that they were disappointed by the decision.

They said: "We are confident we can address the issues identified and make rapid progress. The report and its findings will be used as an agenda for sustained and continuous improvement to enable all our students to develop and prosper.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said: "We are naturally disappointed that the school is now subject to special measures. We are giving it every support we can to bring about a position where the school is providing a satisfactory standard of education."

Published Thursday December 18, 2003

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