A HEREFORD secondary school has been told it 'requires improvement' following a visit from Ofsted inspectors.

But Aylestone Business and Enterprise College says it is heading in the right direction to be graded 'good' – the result it received at the last inspection in October 2011.

An inspection under the new challenging framework took place on January 12 and 13 and found the quality of learning, teaching and assessment was inconsistent at the school, which results in pupils not doing well in mathematics and some other subjects.

Some teachers do not use the school’s marking and feedback policy effectively, slowing the progress of pupils, while the achievement of students who are disadvantaged or of low ability is not good enough.

Executive head teacher, Simon Robertson, who has been in post since September, said: "Whilst the official rating is ‘requires improvement’, as this is under the new challenging framework, it actually means we’re very much on the cusp of being securely ‘good’.

"Through tightening up and consistency in certain areas, the school will continue to go from strength to strength and the inspectors were pleased that we have accurately identified areas for improvement and are already working on them.

“We still have a few areas to address, but in short, Aylestone continues to be a lovely school and a really nice place to learn.”

He added that the school is one of only a handful in the county where results have improved on the previous year.

Inspectors praised the improving leadership and management under the guidance of Mr Robertson and said some highly effective practice in learning, teaching and assessment exists.

Girls and pupils of middle ability do well in a range of subjects including English and mathematics and the school provides effective teaching and support for gypsy, Roma and traveller children, and for pupils who have English as an additional language.

Pupils are also well cared for as a result of the school’s nurturing ethos and pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain and the school provides for their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development effectively.

"I look forward to the challenges ahead and the rewards for all in bringing about the improvements required," Mr Robertson added.

"As ever, I thank parents for their continued support of our school."