A Bucks secondary school was rated ‘inadequate’ after Ofsted inspectors reported pupils at risk of physical harm and discrimination.

The education quality inspectors from Ofsted visited Sir William Ramsay School in Hazlemere on June 14 and 15, following a previous monitoring inspection last year.

Now the school’s rating has been downgraded from ‘requires improvement’ in 2018 to ‘inadequate’ currently.

The mixed-gender school with more than 1,000 pupils scored the lowest rating on behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management, while the quality of education and personal development for pupils 'required improvement'.

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Pupils told the inspectors that despite the new headteacher Paul Ramsey’s actions to reduce poor behaviour, these have 'not yet had a strong impact'. The school’s previous headteacher since 2017 Christine McLintock announced her retirement in May.

Ofsted was concerned about inclusivity teaching commenting 'some pupils do not always show respect for each other’s differences'.

The inspection report adding: “Instead, they use homophobic and racist language.”

A spokesperson from the school responded for a request for comment, saying "Governing Body and Leadership Team were aware of the issues facing the school but remain very concerned by these judgements." 

Pupils’ special education needs were not identified swiftly, Ofsted said. This meant the school leaders couldn’t confirm that those with lower attainment in reading get the best support, and pupils with SEND don’t have as successful access of learning as others.

The inspection raised concern about effectiveness of safeguarding at the school.

The report said: “There is a high incidence of serious behaviour incidents.

“Despite recent actions taken by leaders, pupils are at risk of discrimination and physical harm. “

Some pupils ignore the staff who do act and poor behaviour isn’t deterred, the report added. Pupils at stage three lacked confidence in the ability of adults in charge to stop bullying, leading them to not report it.

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While moving around the school, pupils sometimes experienced physical and verbal conflict, the inspector found.

The report said: “There has been much change to the senior leadership team in the last year. This has impacted on the school’s ability to ensure that systems and expectations are fully embedded.

“Leaders’ actions in the past have not always been effective enough to address poor behaviour and attitudes in the school.

"Governors and many members of staff have confidence in the new headteacher to make rapid improvements. However, recent actions taken by the new headteacher have not yet had enough impact so that all pupils can learn in a calm and safe environment.”

A Buckinghamshire Council spokesperson said: "Buckinghamshire Council are aware of all school Ofsted inspection outcomes as and when they take place.

"We are aware of the Ofsted inspection of Sir William Ramsey School and will offer support to the Academy Trust that is responsible for the running of this school in relation to school improvement.’’