THE headteacher of a Kidderminster school under threat of closure after a damning Ofsted report has vowed to make the grade within two years.

That is the time Sladen Middle School has to reach standards required by Ofsted inspectors or face shut down.

Headteacher Douglas Ridley spoke as the school was put on special measures after inspectors deemed work standards too low and his leadership and management poor.

They also reported insufficient progress since weaknesses were identified four years ago - claiming in some cases teaching had deteriorated.

Mr Ridley acknowledged the school had tough targets to reach but stressed he would not duck the challenge.

He said: "We are very disappointed about the judgement. However, we have to look ahead.

"We have a very demanding schedule but we have to get the job done - and I am convinced we can do that."

Mr Ridley, who was in the post for 13 months when the inspection took place, said he was concerned about unsatisfactory progress in core subjects English, maths and science.

But he stressed these would be tackled along with other failings such as the assessment of pupils and analysing strengths and weaknesses in teaching and learning.

The school has 40 days to submit an action plan to Education Secretary David Blunkett and the Chief Inspector of Schools.

On a positive note the report praised the school for having several "very good" teachers and most pupils having a good attitude to learning.

The special needs department was organised and managed very effectively and pupils achieved well.

In a separate report by the Worcester Diocese, religious education teaching was judged to be good. The school's links with local churches were also praised.

Mr Ridley stressed the school had already started to take action on monitoring and evaluating the quality of teaching and learning.

He said: "Some of the key issues highlighted in the report were identified earlier in the year with inspectors from the county council.

"I am confident that progress has already been made towards addressing these areas needing improvement."