Teddington School has dropped from ‘good’ to ‘requires improvement’ in its latest Ofsted report.

The academy, in Broom Road, was criticised in the report for the quality of its teaching which was described as, “very mixed and, overall, not good enough” based on the inspection on January 16 and 17, 2018.

The progress of students was found to be “average”, with a lack of challenge identified as a key problem, as well as “disruptive” behaviour from bored pupils.

One parent was said to have commented that the work was “too easy” for her “frustrated” son.

Theresa Sainsbury, a private tutor, has one son in year 10 and one who graduated from sixth form last year.

She said: “I think it’s a fair reflection on the situation there at the moment; I think it’s a bit of a relief as a lot of parents felt like things weren’t right.

“Having said that, the sixth form is really good, my son who has just graduated from there exceeded expectations in everything.”

The sixth form was one of the things praised in the report, which received a rating of ‘good’ in the sub-category of 16-19 learning.

In an open letter, the new acting headteacher, Kathy Pacey, said she was “working hard to address the concerns”.

Inspectors found that Kathy Pacey, who has led the school since September 2017, has correctly identified aspects of the school’s work that need to improve.

Misbehaving pupils can now be “fast-tracked” out of classrooms into a separate room, with a 45 minute after school detention overseen by senior staff as punishment.

The newly appointed co-chairs of the governing body are said to be planning to write to parents with their aspirations for future governance.

Ms Pacey added: “I know that we can work together to improve outcomes for all our pupils.

“However, we should remember that Teddington’s GCSE results in 2017 were pleasing.

“81 per cent of our pupils achieved five or more GCSEs A*-C, and 66 per cent achieved Grade 5 or above in the new English and Maths GCSEs (B/C).

“Nearly all of our Year 11 leavers went on to pursue higher education or vocational training.”

Councillor Susan Chappell, cabinet member for schools, said: "Ensuring all pupils are given the very best education is a top priority for this council, and so I fully understand why parents may be concerned with this report.

“There are obviously some key things that need to be improved at the school.

"Whilst it is always easy to focus on the negatives, I think there are also positives in the report that will help the school improve.

"The praise for the new Head of School and her leadership is important. She is passionate about driving improvements.

“I am also pleased to see that the Sixth Form is judged as good and that children feel safe within the school.

“Moving forward, Teddington is clear what needs to be done. And, working together with our wider family of local schools, a plan is being put in place to address all the points raised.

I am confident that by us all working together, further improvements will be made.”