THE quality of education “needs to improve” at a Leigh secondary school in a bid to “secure better outcomes for pupils”, Ofsted inspectors have found.

The education watchdog has handed Belfairs Academy, in Highlands Boulevard, a “requires improvement rating” - a drop from the “good” rating the school received in its last full inspection in 2013.

Following the inspection a report, published yesterday, stated pupils have “gaps in their knowledge” and teaching is “not alert and responsive to mistakes”.

The school, which has 1,447 pupils, has hit back at Ofsted over the rating and has criticised the watchdog after a senior leader suffered a “severe medical episode” following the first day of the inspection.

FURTHER READING: Senior Leigh school leader suffered 'severe medical episode' during Ofsted inspection

The report stated: “The school’s evaluation of the quality of education has not accurately identified the key areas that need to improve to secure better outcomes for pupils. As a result, pupils reach the end of Year 11 with gaps in their knowledge.

“The school should use this information effectively to prioritise and evaluate actions, with emphasis given to improving teachers’ pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge and raising pupils’ achievement.

“Teaching is not alert and responsive to mistakes that pupils make or the misconceptions that they have. As a result, pupils do not develop and deepen their understanding effectively.”

The school was rated “good” for behaviour and attitudes, personal development and sixth form provision, but “requires improvement” for both the quality of education and leadership and management.

A number of positives were also highlighted. The report added: “Pupils like coming to school.

“Pupils behave well in lessons and around the school, including during break and lunchtimes. The school is a busy and vibrant space, where pupils get on well with one another.

“The school has designed a curriculum that is broad, responds to pupils’ interests and aims to prepare them for the next stage of education or training.”

In a letter to parents, Principal Bev Williams added: “While we are duty-bound to accept the conclusions, we in no way agree with the outcome of this inspection.”