A PREVIOUSLY “outstanding” school has been ordered to improve after parents lost “confidence and trust” – causing the Ofsted rating to plummet.

Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, Billericay, has been rated “requires improvement” after an inspection on March 28 and 29.

Ahead of publication, a copy of the inspection report was sent to parents by the school along with a letter from the headteacher, both of which have been seen by the Echo.

READ MORE >> 'Callous' thug forced his way into Leigh home with two knives and a hammer

Inspectors rated the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management as “requires improvement”. All of which were previously rated “outstanding”.

The report stated: “A number of parents have lost trust and confidence in the school.

“The school has been through a very unsettled period of time. This has contributed to significantly towards the loss of parental trust and confidence in the school.

“Leaders have implemented new communication strategies. However, leaders acknowledge that there is further work to do as the school becomes more settled.”

Ofsted noted that there have been “many changes to staffing and leadership since the previous inspection” and that there is a “significant proportion of temporary teachers and teachers new to the teaching profession.”

Mayflower High School also told the Echo they have made some “very exciting appointments” in the past three weeks and also recently welcomed a new headteacher, Mr Damian Lee.

Inspectors were also critical with the behaviour of pupils.

The report added: “Some learning is disrupted by inappropriate behaviour.

“While this is typically from a small number of pupils, pupils who want to focus on their learning do feel frustrated.

“Leaders have not ensured that all teachers understand and consistently implement the behaviour policy.”

At the time of inspection, there were 1,707 pupils on the roll at the school.
The previous inspection at Mayflower High School saw it rated “outstanding” back in 2016.

In response to Ofsted’s finding, a spokesman for Mayflower High School, said: “Naturally, a requires improvement grading is disappointing [but] as a school community we are determined to see this as an opportunity for change and improvement.”

“The Ofsted report shows that we need to improve in three areas: behaviour and attitudes, quality of education and leadership and management.

“We implemented a new behaviour plan and whilst we are beginning to see results this will continue to be a priority moving forward.”