INSPECTORS have described a secondary school's plans to improve as "not fit for purpose" and say 10 per cent of pupils are refusing to comply with new behaviour standards.

The improvement plan was drawn up by leaders and governors at Tong High School after it was judged to have "serious weaknesses" by Ofsted last summer.

But after inspectors returned to the school last month to check on its progress, they wrote to school head Steve Curran to raise concerns about the pace of its improvement.

The school, which has 1,600 pupils, will be taken over by the Tauheedul Education Trust in May, with the school becoming part of the trust's growing non-faith division.

The letter, from Ofsted inspector Gina White, has also been sent to governors and Bradford Council and says: "The school's improvement plan is not fit for purpose.

"School leaders have been slow to take action to tackle the areas for improvement and secure progress in pupils' achievements.

"Although their response has quickened in the latter half of the autumn term, constant revisions of plans have led to increasing complexity.

"Unexpectedly low results in summer exams in English and maths caused leaders to reassess the methods used within the school to evaluate pupils achievement."

It says governors have a "strong moral imperative" to raise achievement, but that they have "not challenged weaknesses sufficiently.

"The school has introduced a non-negotiable approach to behaviour. A small but significant number of pupils, almost 10 per cent of the school, are refusing to comply."

The letter says this has led to issues with low level disruption and increasing cases of pupils being "called out" for refusing to follow teachers' instructions.

Despite the criticisms, the letter says Bradford Council's statement of action for the school is fit for purpose.

Head Stephen Curran said: “I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to ensure the best outcomes for our students.

“We will continue to improve and take effective action to continue to identify any emerging weaknesses and inconsistencies and swiftly address these. Our school key priorities will be the focus of a new streamlined school improvement plan."

Talking about the academy take over he adds: "This means that Tong High School will benefit from a national network of support and development opportunities, as we continue to improve educational standards.

“TET has acknowledged the school’s positive learning culture and will work in partnership with the whole community to add capacity so that Tong High School can improve student outcomes quickly in order to achieve academic excellence.”

Hamid Patel, Chief Executive of the trust, said: “We are looking forward to bringing our extensive experience of driving school improvement to Tong, and will be working closely with parents, students and staff to deliver positive change at the school.

“We are confident that by continuing to move forward in this way, we will see standards improve and attainment increase over the coming months and years.”

Michael Jameson, Strategic Director of Children's Services at Bradford Council said: "Ofsted has recognised that our plan is fit for purpose and we've ensured Tong High School has the appropriate support in place."