A SCHOOL accused of “bullying, prejudice, and inappropriate segregation” has made improvements but “more work is necessary” say Ofsted.

Southchurch High School, in Southchurch Boulevard, Southend, was graded “inadequate” - the lowest possible rating - following an Ofsted inspection in March last year.

Monitoring inspections on December 7 and 8 noted there had been a series of improvements, but inspectors stated the school would remain “inadequate” and continue to be in special measures.

The report, published yesterday, stated: “Southchurch High School remains inadequate and requires special measures.

“Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the category of concern to be removed”.

In the inspection back in March 2022, Ofsted found pupils were “inappropriately separated by sex in some subjects” as well as having “fears of bulling”, and that children did not always feel “happy and safe”.

The recent monitoring visit, which occurs when schools are under special measures, found they had made progress.

The letter to the school stated: “There have been changes in leadership since the previous inspection.

“You are bringing improvements in the curriculum planning, in line with the weaknesses raised in the previous inspection.

“This term, you provided training and guidance for staff on your ‘non-negotiables’ ways in which you want staff to implement and deliver the curriculum to pupils.

“Pupils are beginning to make better progress with their learning.

“You also relaunched your behaviour systems, and teachers are using the systems with increasing consistency to address poor behaviour.”

Despite this, the report added: “You all know that there is still much to do for this to be embedded and sustained.”

Interim headteacher Tracy Airoll said: “We are driving towards rapid change and ensuring whole school improvement.  “I am very proud of all our amazing students as well as the dedicated and committed staff team that we have here at Southchurch High School.  “I also wish to acknowledge how much support we receive from parents and the community.”