HUNTERS Hill College has been told to improve by Ofsted, despite making key improvements to the teaching throughout the school.

The all boy’s special needs school on Spirehouse Lane was graded 'requires improvement' in all areas by inspectors, following an inspection last month after being graded ‘outstanding’ just five years ago.

However, the latest report says the quality of teaching varies throughout the school with mixed views amongst the staff regarding the effectiveness of the changes and the level of support they receive from leaders.

It said plans to spend additional funding was not being effective to ensure both leaders and governors choose the most beneficial option.

Inspectors also added a shared understanding of the best way to support pupils was not yet understood amongst all staff members.

Headteacher Andrew Lomas was praised by Ofsted, for beginning to address several key areas of weakness in the school and the support of external partners and advisers has been effective.

They said given pupils needs, their behaviour is good with well managed social times and overall pupils engage with their learning, but added the clinical psychologist works effectively with the school to support pupils’ specific needs.

Pupil attendance is now also managed more effectively, with quick follow ups by the school and procedures and rewards having been effectively established.

Headteacher Andrew Lomas said: “Overall, Ofsted determined that the school ‘Requires Improvement’, yet I feel that the tone of their detailed report is encouraging and the inspectors’ assessments and analyses are promising.

“The governors and the school accept the findings and are committed to making the improvements needed.

“Over the coming weeks I will be meeting with school staff, the Leadership Team and the Governing Board to set an action plan to address the issues raised in the report to continue the school's journey towards achieving 'Good' in the next inspection.

“It is important to remember that our school site whilst be in an idyllic part of Bromsgrove requires extensive expenditure to maintain the grounds and buildings which are over 80 years old.

“It must be acknowledged in the wider context of Special Education Schools that budget cuts have resulted in staffing cuts and the recent rises in pension contributions make the work of schools very difficult indeed.

“We continue to do all we can to support the most vulnerable children in the Birmingham area.”