WEST Somerset College is “failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education”, according to a damning OFSTED report published this week which places it in special measures.

At a meeting at the college on Monday, an action plan to address areas for improvement identified in the report was presented to parents and carers, but a school spokesman said a finalised plan was “still being synchronised.”

The report grades the school “inadequate”

across the board, highlighting teaching, leadership and declining achievement at GCSE as areas of concern.

It also accuses school governors of failing “to respond quickly enough to falling achievement and weak teaching.”

In a letter to parents and carers, principal Gaynor Comber said she was “devastated” by the decision to place the college in special measures, which means more regular inspections from OFSTED and an action plan to raise standards.

However, she said she believed the college can “significantly improve” with the help of staff, governors, parents and students.

She said: “I’m personally devastated by this decision, and the staff and governors are incredibly disappointed.

“However, we believe that working as a united team of staff, governors, parents and students we can significantly improve the teaching, learning and achievements of students to enable them to fulfil their potential.”

OFSTED carried out a no-notice inspection on October 1-2 in response to 11 complaints.

Its report says: “The complaints were deemed to be qualifying complaints and HM’s Chief Inspector decided an unannounced inspection of the college should take place to follow up the whole-college issues raised.

“Inspectors sought to establish the quality of students’ achievement, teaching and leadership, and management at the college.”

The college has already benefited significantly from the support programme set up by the Somerset Association of Head teachers in conjunction with Somerset Challenge, who are providing skilled teachers to help in key subject areas and with leadership development.

The college has also embarked on a year-long programme of staff development under the guidance of a teaching, learning and assessment consultant.

The college will also be allocated one of HM’s Inspectors who may make up to five visits over the 24 months following the inspection.