An Otley school has been panned as "unsatisfactory" and failing to give value for money.

Thomas Chippendale School was found to have 'serious weaknesses' by Ofsted inspectors who decided its quality of teaching was 'unsatisfactory overall'.

Standards in English were found to be well below average compared to similar schools last year and their report stated: "The standards pupils achieve in literacy and numeracy by the age of seven are unsatisfactory."

However, the inspectors said this was partly due to a higher than average number of pupils on the school's special educational needs register.

The report also criticised the school's management and found the it did not provide value for money.

But the report, published this week, also lists positive aspects of the school.

It praised the spiritual, moral and social development, and highlighted good teaching in the Reception class and in Year Six, but found Years One and Two to be unsatisfactory.

The inspectors also praised the school's art, design, technology and drama, and reported that pupils were keen to come to school, with above average attendance.

They described part of the school's catchment area as 'socially disadvantaged and found the number of pupils on the school roll was falling.

Headteacher Susan Cook said: "The report has come as a blow to the school. The issues detailed in the report are ones we are well aware of and are already addressing.

"I am confident that we will now make steady and sustained progress in bringing areas of weakness up to standard."

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