ST Gregory’s High School was slammed for ‘dull’ teaching, ‘disruptive’ lessons and for failing to meet students’ learning needs following a disastrous Ofsted inspection.

In the full report, inspectors declared the school on Cromwell Avenue as inadequate in all areas.

The quality of teaching, the achievement of pupils, the behaviour and safety in the school and the quality of the leadership were all deemed to be failing - and given the worst score possible by inspectors.

It follows a visit from inspectors in December, which saw the Cromwell Avenue school drop from outstanding to inadequate.

The school was consequently placed in special measure and told it rapidly needs to improve.

Science lessons were flagged up as ‘weak’ due to ‘consistently poor teaching’ causing achievement in the subject to remain low.

A number of parents have sent in letters of complaint regarding the quality of teaching and achievement in science, and, although some action has been taken, it has not been rigorous enough.

Lessons in PE, RE and design and technology were also labelled as inadequate.

Pupils, who are disabled, have special educational needs or those eligible for extra support, also make inadequate progress due to low standards in teaching and the curriculum which has resulted in poor attendance.

Despite pupils saying they feel safe at the school, homophobic language, swearing and disruption is not uncommon and would not always be addressed by teachers.

One group of students, who were questioned on why they misbehave, replied ‘because we can’.

The school is also under inspection for a ‘serious incident’ that took place at the school since the last Ofsted inspection but no further details on the incident were given.

Leaders and managers were told they had an ‘inaccurate’ view of school standards and that policies in place to deal with behaviour including bullying, safety and inclusion were either ‘out of date, inappropriate or ineffective’.

Governors have also been alerted to a serious deficit and the council is currently working with the school to investigate financial irregularities.

Despite the damming report, it was added that the new executive head teacher, David Lewis, had a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the school.

Mr Lewis said: “While there are many things that require a lot of work here, the Ofsted report did highlight key strengths at the school, ranging from achievement in English and maths being strong to the observation of some exemplary teaching in drama.

“Last year 89 per cent of our students attained A* to C grades in maths, and 83 per cent in English.

"Our GCSE results were significantly better than the national average, and this is undoubtedly a firm grounding on which to improve.”

The council’s operational director for children and young people’s universal services, Sarah Callaghan said the school had its full support.

Two National Leaders of Education have been deployed to work with the school, one to focus on leadership, accountability, governance and behaviour and safety and one to focus on teaching and learning.

A meeting will be held at the school on Thursday at 7pm for concerned parents.