A high school has been told it still requires improvement after the watchdog found special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils are not always well supported and behaviour issues are not consistently addressed. 

Ofsted inspectors visited Stowupland High School, near Stowmarket, in January 2023 and returned to finish judgements on December 1, with the report published this week stating the school 'required improvement'.

This meant it retained the same result as its last inspection in March 2019. 

While the school's sixth form provisions were rated 'good', inspectors raised concerns around the impact of the discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at the school, which has led to sections of the site being closed and caused disruption for staff and pupils, affecting behaviour. 

The school, which is part of the John Milton Academy Trust, was said to have a "well-designed and coherent curriculum"' with pupils studying a range of subjects and has recently begun to prioritise reading more. 

However, inspectors said staff "do not act consistently to implement behaviour expectations throughout the day" and some lower-level misbehaviours were not addressed which frustrated other students.

SEND pupils received a "variable quality of education" at Stowupland High School, according to inspectors, who said they do not experience a consistent level of support and do not always make the progress they should.

Inspectors said the school needs to develop a stable staff body who can work cohesively to improve provisions, ensure that all staff know how to implement leaders' plans for pupils with SEND well and ensure staff apply behaviour expectations consistently and effectively.

The sixth form was praised in the report, which stated that teachers know students well and students experience success in their subjects, often moving on to employment or further education.

A spokesperson for the John Milton Academy Trust said: “We are pleased the John Milton Sixth Form has achieved a ‘good’ rating, particularly how the report shows our students leave school prepared well for adult life, typically going on to gain employment or places at college or university.

“We are pleased that inspectors have recognised Stowupland High School’s broad, well-planned and coherent curriculum and improved attendance.

“However, we understand there is work to be done and take on board the areas for improvement identified.

“As reported by Ofsted, the trust has reviewed the way it supports the school and will be putting into action our plans for improvement.”