A DEVIZES primary has been branded inadequate by Ofsted inspectors but its new headteacher has promised to make a difference to the school and has called on the community to support it.

Andrew Wilson took over as executive head of Southbroom St James Academy in October and believes significant progress can be made quickly.

He said: “I am relishing the opportunity to make a difference. I have thoroughly enjoyed my short time at Southbroom St James thus far. It has been wonderful getting to know such a great group of children, parents and staff.

"I am genuinely excited by the new staff who have joined us and the prospect that we have of making significant progress in the coming months. It is vital that all members of the community work together to secure the very best outcomes for the pupils in our care.”

Mark Lacey chief executive officer of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust said the Ofsted report sent out tough messages and was a challenge for the school.

He said: "Whilst it rightly demands significant improvements, it also recognises the improvements that have been made in recent months to bring about improved outcomes for children.”

The report says the school needs to develop teaching, leadership and assessment in order to strengthen pupil performance. The report notes recent developments in terms of the behaviour and work of pupils and the performance of senior leaders.

Mark Lacey said: "These are only early steps and we acknowledge there is much still to do and that the progress since the school converted to an academy has not been rapid enough. We are determined to raise standards to give all pupils at St James’ the best possible start in life and the recent changes we have made are evidence of that.”

Chair of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust Board, Tony Smith, said:“We accept OFSTED’s criticisms, and recognise the need to accelerate improvement further.

"An action plan has been drafted and there has been real progress even in the few weeks since the inspection. We are confident that the new arrangements for governance and leadership of the school will bring about the necessary changes in teaching and learning.”

Chairman of the governors Keith Clover, said changes had already been put in place before the outcome of the inspection was known. He said: “Prior to the inspection, we changed governance arrangements at St James’ and appointed a new executive headteacher in order to bring about the vital changes that our school needs.

"We are confident that hard work and determination will enable the rapid improvement that has been made in recent months to continue such that greater impact will be seen when inspectors return. We will be meeting with parents in the immediate future to discuss the report at what is a difficult time for them and our pupils.”

Main findings of the report were:

? Leaders have taken too long to take the necessary steps to improve the school since it became an academy in December 2013.

? Over time, the board members have not provided sufficient challenge to secure improvement. Until recently, members have been presented with overgenerous information of the school’s performance.

? Until very recently, the leadership of English and mathematics has had too little impact. Teachers’ subject knowledge is not well developed to support pupils’ learning in these subjects.

? The teaching of mathematics, reading and writing is weak. As a result, pupils do not consistently acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding expected of them.

? Teaching does not consistently meet the needs of particular groups of pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, the most able and those pupils who have special educational needs and/or disabilities.

? The school’s assessment information on pupils’ progress and attainment is often inaccurate. As a result, teachers do not know their pupils’ academic needs well enough. Consequently, pupils fail to make good progress over time in reading, writing and mathematics.

? In lessons where the work is either too hard or too easy for them, some pupils become distracted. Too often, they do not take pride in their work.

The school has the following strengths

? The very recent actions taken by the trust and executive headteacher have had an immediate impact in some areas, for example in improving pupils’ behaviour and their conduct around the school.

? The newly formed local governing board has quickly grasped what needs to be done to improve the school.

? The newly appointed executive headteacher has gained a strong understanding of the needs of the school and has accurately identified the precise actions required to improve teaching and learning.

OFSTED will return for a monitoring visit within the next year to measure the progress that is being made.