A STRUGGLING Dudley school has been slammed as 'inadequate' by Ofsted, a fall from its previous 'requires improvement' status.

The Holly Hall Academy received the lowest grade the government inspector can give for its overall effectiveness.

It was branded 'inadequate' across the education watchdog's four areas of assessment in leadership, teaching, pupil development and educational outcomes.

The school's former principal, Rob Hatch, resigned last month following the Ofsted inspection that took place in December 2017.

The report identified 'inadequate' pupil behaviour, attendance below the national average and 'disorganised' courses.

In a summary of the findings for parents and pupils, inspectors said: "In the last three years, pupils have made very weak progress.

"Pupils currently in the school continue to make weak progress compared to their peers nationally with similar starting points."

Use of "prejudicial language" by students, "weak" assessments and low aspiration for pupils was also criticised.

The report did, however, acknowledge the school's strengths and praised improvements that had been made.

The teaching of the personal, social, health and economic curriculum was singled out for praise, along with safeguarding, leadership opportunities for pupils and improvements to maths and English teaching.

The Dudley Academies Trust was praised for its "effective" governance of the school since Holly Hall Academy joined in September 2017.

The Dudley College sponsored-trust also includes Castle High School, Hillcrest School and Community College and the High Arcal School.

"The newly formed trust has swiftly gained an accurate view of the quality of education in the school," the report stated.

"They have acted quickly and there are early signs of standards improving."

The Scotts Green Close school has been advised to raise standards by improving the leadership of the school and the outcomes of all pupils, especially those classed as disadvantaged.

Lowell Williams, chair of the Dudley Academies Trust, described the report as a "fair assessment" but a "retrospective one".

He acknowledged that the beleaguered school has "many opportunities for improvement due to issues the school has had in prior years".

"The trust aims to further the improvements it has already made with the creation of a strategic plan," he said.

"The plan includes changes to the teaching model, curriculum model, standard of behaviour and leadership model.

"We have also invested in leadership training and improvements to the site itself so it will be at the standard it should be."

A consultation evening for parents took place at the school this week and Mr Williams paid tribute to the support the school has received from parents.

He added: "We are very positive that the school has a good future."