Parkside School in Cullingworth rated Inadequate by Ofsted

Parkside School, in Cullingworth, received the education watchdog's lowest rating when it was inspected on June 20 and 21.

The school, which has 1,165 pupils on its roll and joined the Wellspring Academy Trust this month, acknowledges improvements must be made.

Behaviour seems to be the biggest issue at Parkside.

The report said: "A significant proportion of pupils at Parkside School do not feel safe.

"This is due to the disruptive behaviour of a significant minority of pupils, particularly on the corridors and during social times."

Some pupils "play truant from lessons or arrive late and disrupt classes".

The negative behaviour is having a "significant impact" across the school.

The report added: "Too many staff, pupils and parents share concerns about standards of behaviour at the school.

"A significant number of staff do not feel well supported when managing poor behaviour.

"They do not have confidence in the school’s ability to improve pupils’ educational experiences, particularly in key stages 3 and 4."

Inspectors did say there are "strengths in the pastoral support that vulnerable pupils receive".

There is "too much variation" in how well the curriculum is taught, although students in the sixth form benefit from a better quality of education.

Records show that bullying, including racist and homophobic incidents, is "rare".

However, many pupils "do not have a strong understanding" of other faiths and cultures.

The report said: "Pupils understanding of fundamental British values, other faiths and cultures is weak.

"The curriculum for religious education is underdeveloped at key stage 4.

"As a result, pupils are not as well prepared for life in modern Britain as they might be."

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus, headteacher of the school Katharine Needham said: “We know we have much to do to improve standards at Parkside, and we are working hard to make those necessary changes.

"For instance, we have already implemented new behaviour systems and are receiving specialist support from a team of experts. This is already having a positive impact on pupil behaviour.

"We joined Wellspring Academy Trust earlier this month and, with their support, we are confident that we can deliver change quickly and provide our pupils and community with an improved school that they can have confidence in and which they can be proud of.”