A SOMERSET school which has more than 800 pupils has been given the lowest possible rating by Ofsted.

Buckler's Mead Academy, in Yeovil, has been rated 'inadequate' by the school inspection body.

The damning report outlines life at the previously 'good' rated school following the inspection which took place on November 12-13.

According to inspectors, behaviour is 'rowdy', the education is 'weak', and pupils feel bullying is a 'common problem'.

Malcolm Willis, lead inspector, said: "Pupils do not achieve well.

"There has been a marked decline in standards.

"The school’s curriculum does not provide pupils with the knowledge they need to be successful.

"As a result, pupils are often unable to recall what they have learned.

"Pupils’ behaviour can be rowdy around the school site and disrupts the learning of others in lessons."

The report does explain, however, that the school has been going through a period of change, with a new headteacher and leadership team in place.

Actions such as banning mobile phones and splitting lunch times have already have an impact on life at the school.

Mr Willis added: "The school has seen much change this term, with a new headteacher and a number of new staff.

"Pupils welcome some of the changes which new leaders have made to keep them safe.

"For example, they say that split lunchtimes have made the playground and dining hall less crowded and safer.

"In addition, pupils like the ban on mobile phones, which they say has reduced cyber bullying.

"However, pupils continue to have some worries about bullying. They do not have confidence in their teachers to stop it."

Leaders at the school say they are 'deeply disappointed' to have received the inadequate rating.

Mark Lawrence, acting headteacher, said: "Following the departure of the previous headteacher in August and the move to our new leadership team, we were already aware of most of the weaknesses identified in the report.

"I am therefore extremely disappointed Ofsted failed to recognise much of the good work that has already been put in place by the new leadership team who had only had nine weeks to begin to address the issues."

Mr Lawrence explained how a host of changes have already been made, including the introduction of a new behaviour policy, and the school is looking into joining a multi-academy trust.

A parents consultation evening is set to be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 5.30pm in the main hall as the school hopes to provide further reassurance and outline its future plans.