INSPECTORS say a Pershore school 'requires improvement' leading to “angry” parents demanding answers.

An inspection team that visited Abbey Park Middle School said it needed to improve - a drop since despite two previous inspections in 2010 and 2014 rated it 'good.'

In the report, inspectors said: “Teachers do not plan learning that matches pupils’ abilities closely enough. As a result, middle and high-attaining pupils do not make the progress of which they are capable. Some teachers do not have high enough expectations of what pupils can achieve. They do not have a secure knowledge of the standards pupils should be working at for their age. Leaders and governors do not make sure that additional funding is making a positive difference to pupils’ outcomes, including those of disadvantaged pupils.”

One parent said: “A lot of parents are very angry. Why has this happened? A lot of angry parents are demanding answers which the school is not providing.”

However, the report also highlighted the Abbey Road school had strengths - rating personal development, behaviour and welfare as good - and said the newly appointed executive headteacher and head of school had already begun to make improvements and hold staff to account.

Rebecca Scully, executive headteacher, said: “We are naturally disappointed to have got an overall judgment of requires improvement. However, there are some really encouraging comments made in the report that reflect the positive changes being made and the belief from the inspectorate team that the school has the ability to raise standards ensuring all groups of children get a fantastic education." She added a meeting had been held with parents about an action plan.