A SECONDARY school has been told to improve by Ofsted after inspectors found some pupils' behaviour and attitudes “are not good enough” and that there is “too much disruption in lessons”.

Benton Park School, on Harrogate Road, Rawdon, was rated as 'requires improvement' following a two-day visit by Ofsted inspectors in October.

In addition to behaviour, inspectors raised concerns about the implementation of the curriculum and support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, and weaker readers.

School leaders have said that they will be “doubling their efforts” to deal with the issues raised in the report.

In the report, inspectors said “some pupils’ behaviour and attitudes are not good enough" and “there is too much disruption in lessons” which “stops other pupils from learning”.

“Inspectors saw that poor behaviour is not always managed consistently in line with the school’s policy," they added.

While most pupils said they feel safe, inspectors found a “significant minority of pupils worry about derogatory, sexist and/or homophobic language that they hear from other pupils". 

Inspectors also found the “curriculum is not being implemented consistently well in all lessons”.

They said: “Some vulnerable pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, are not consistently receiving the support that they need in lessons."

It was also noted that “weakest readers are not currently getting the support they need”.

Inspectors found “there are tensions between the school and many parents and carers".

They said: "Some have expressed concern about the way recent changes have been communicated and introduced.”

Nicholas Skilton, headteacher of Benton Park School, said: "The report acknowledges that as a leadership team, we are aware of the steps we need to take to improve the school.

"It also highlights where we’ve started to make progress, in particular around our ambitious curriculum and reading for pleasure.

“We take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and we are continually working to ensure that any behaviour by a minority of students that falls outside our standards and expectations is dealt with effectively.

“In light of the recent inspection findings, we are now doubling our efforts in supporting all students to know that this kind of behaviour is unacceptable and that any students who are affected in any way, know who to turn to should they need support.

“We will continue to work proactively with all stakeholders, including parents and carers, to ensure all our improvement plans and strategies are communicated well and clearly understood and we have begun this with a parent forum this evening."

While most areas required improvement, Benton Park’s sixth form was praised as 'good' by Ofsted inspectors, who said “students in the sixth form access a well-run provision".

"As a result, pupils enjoy learning and make good progress," they added.