PARENTS of children at Dean Academy in Lydney heard last night (Tuesday) how senior leaders plan to raise standards after Ofsted placed it into special measures.

In a letter to parents last Wednesday the chief executive officer of the Athelstan Trust, Mr Tim Gilson, and acting headteacher Mr John Barrett said they are ‘committed’ to raising standards.

Mr Barrett said: “This is a rightly challenging report and the senior leaders and governors of the Dean Academy and the senior staff and directors of The Athelstan Trust agree with its key findings.

“The report recognises the actions that have been taken this year and acknowledges the work that senior leaders and myself are doing to improve the school. Inspectors make it clear ‘decisive action’ is being taken by the school to raise standards.

“There are a number of strengths that the report highlights including the care and safeguarding arrangements, the range of extracurricular activities, and the teaching and progress in a number of subject areas.”

The report identified key findings including the work planned for pupils does not ‘sufficiently’ challenge them, failure to provide ‘effective’ careers advice and students lacking ‘enthusiasm’ during lessons.

Inspectors also found governors have been ‘ineffective’ in holding leaders to account.

Parent Drew Pratten said: “Without a strong group leading the school it will continue to fail. When a school fails, the ultimate victims are the children. This cannot be allowed to happen.”

Mr Barrett added: “I appreciate that many of you will be disappointed with the judgement, and frustrated standards have not been good enough for your children. Please be assured that all the staff at the Dean Academy and, in the wider Athelstan Trust, are committed to ensuring that our students receive the education they deserve.”

The school was placed into special measures in 2011. Althestan Academies Trust took over sponsorship in March.

Last month the Review reported the former headteacher of the Lydney school, Mr David Gaston, had stepped down but his departure was ‘unrelated’ to rumours the school was inadequate.

•MEANWHILE a Cinderford school is celebrating coming out of special measures.

St Whites Primary School has spent the last two years working hard to raise standards.