RIDGEWOOD High School bosses have vowed there will be ‘rapid improvements’ after the academy was placed in ‘special measures’ by Ofsted.

The Wollaston school has been rated ‘inadequate’ in all four inspection categories – leadership, teaching quality, personal development and pupil outcomes - by the education watchdog.

The report identified a host of weaknesses – including discipline, attendance, pupil behaviour and safeguarding.

But the Ofsted report did point out that the school’s performance had improved since a new head teacher – Mrs Rae Cope – took over in January.

And a statement from the chief executive of Stour Vale Academy Trust (SVAT) – which Ridgewood recently joined – made it clear they believe the new head will deliver a swift recovery.

CEO Stephen Dunster said: “The Ofsted inspection highlighted that the outcomes for pupils at the school have not improved over recent years and that there has been too much variability in the quality of teaching.

“However the report makes it clear that the appointment of a highly capable head teacher in January has brought stability to the school and improvements have already been made.

“Ridgewood High School officially joined the Stour Vale Academy Trust on May 1 and we are excited about the opportunities of working together.

“The Stour Vale Trust includes two ‘outstanding’ secondary schools and we are looking forward to working together with Ridgewood to see further rapid improvements.

“Ridgewood is a school with pupils full of potential and together we will see them flourish.”

The Ofsted report highlighted nine key reasons why the Park Road West school was rated inadequate.

• Leaders, including governors, and the King Edward’s and Halesowen Colleges’ Academy Trust, have not taken action to improve teaching or outcomes for pupils.

• Pupils make exceptionally slow progress.

• School leaders have not used the pupil premium funding well to support disadvantaged pupils.

• The teaching of science and French is ineffective and most pupils underachieve in these subjects.

• There is too much variability in the quality of teaching.

• Attendance has declined over recent years.

• Arrangements for safeguarding pupils are ineffective. Leaders have not done enough to ensure all pupils understand the risks posed by people with extreme views.

• Too many lessons are disrupted by low-level poor behaviour that is not challenged.

• Many school leaders are new in post, inexperienced or ineffective.

However, the report did stress Mrs Cope has brought stability and early signs of improvement to the school and the support of SVAT was yielding progress in English and maths.

It said: “Staff speak highly of the impact the new head has already had on morale. She is fully aware of the challenges she faces, including the need to urgently raise standards as they are unacceptably low.”

In a letter to parents, Mrs Cope promised to listen to their concerns at upcoming meetings – and said staff and pupils were committed to lifting the school out of special measures.

She wrote: “Very many of our students contribute fantastically to school life on an everyday basis.

“Similarly we have a staff who show daily that they are passionately committed to doing their very best for the young people in our care.

“They want their school to improve and have already shown that they are prepared to work hard to make this happen.”