A HARLECH school has been placed in special measures by education watchdogs amid concerns over standards, quality of teaching and “effectiveness of leadership at all levels” that require “urgent improvement”.

Ysgol Ardudwy will now be reviewed by Estyn inspectors every term following the poor findings from an inspection before Christmas.

In a report released this week, Estyn inspectors found the school was in the lowest category rating for two criteria of the inspection framework – and in the second lowest for the other three.

The school was rated “unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement” for both standards and leadership and management, while rated “adequate and needs improvement” for wellbeing and attitudes to learning; teaching and learning experiences; and care, support and guidance.

The report found that “in many lessons, teachers do not do enough to ensure that pupils make strong progress in terms of their skills, knowledge and understanding”.

“They do not plan in enough detail to ensure that the level of challenge is suitable for all pupils, including those who are most able,” the report found.

“The school’s curriculum is appropriate, but provision to develop pupils’ literacy skills is weak.

“These factors have led to poor performance in the key stage 4 performance indicators which include Welsh, English and mathematics.

“The school’s performance in these indicators has been significantly lower than in similar schools over the last three years.”

Responding to the report, Aled Williams, Ysgol Ardudwy acting headteacher said: “This report offers a clear programme for us here in Ardudwy, as a team, governing body and a whole community to move on to take action and ensure that the school offers the best possible education for the children and young people of the Ardudwy catchment area. We look forward to the challenge to fully implement this vision.”

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