THE headteacher of a school rated ‘inadequate’ by a damning Ofsted report has pledged that she “will not rest” until it is taken out of special measures.

Kate Curtis has admitted parents will feel worried after Wheatley Park School was hit with the education watchdog’s toughest sanction.

But she said many of the inspectors’ criticisms had already been addressed and that plans were in place to turn the school around.

The Holton school was placed in special measures after inspectors said it failed to give an acceptable standard of education, had disruptive pupils and failed to safeguard children in its care.

Since the report was made public, current and former pupils and parents have offered messages of support to Ms Curtis and her staff.

The headteacher said: “Many parents will feel worried about our shortcomings.

“I am proud to lead a team of dedicated staff and we have pledged we will not rest until Wheatley Park is removed from special measures.”

Ms Curtis said plans to improve the school were “rigorous and thorough” and added staff would focus on ensuring every single child made the most of their potential by checking their progress every six weeks.

A new system has been brought in meaning that any pupils spoiling the learning of others would be removed from the classroom, Ms Curtis said.

She added: “Students tell us they appreciate the stricter approach that has been introduced and some are now being educated on tailored programmes to suit their needs.

“Anyone who gets in the way of the school’s progress must expect to be challenged.”

The headteacher will meet parents of Year Seven and Year Eight pupils tonight, with another meeting planned for Year Nine to Year 11 parents tomorrow.

Ms Curtis said: “I urge all our parents and families to hold faith in our school and stay in touch with our progress – you will not be disappointed.”

Newly elected head boy Henry Myatt, 16, from Stanton St John, and head girl Jenny Whitehead, 17, from Ickford, also praised the school.

Miss Whitehead said: “We have seen so many improvements since we got here.

“I do not believe we have ever been failed. We see a good school every day and this report is not a reflection of how we see our every day life at school.”

Mr Myatt said: “In a way this is a good challenge to rise to –we will use the feedback as a challenge.”

Assistant head girl Jemma Phibbs, 16, from Sandhills, said she was convinced the school would not be in special measures for long.

She added: “Considering what the school has done in the last few years, it is definitely capable of doing the things that Ofsted picked up on.”

The 1,170 pupil school was inspected shortly after a new, tougher Ofsted framework was brought in, which meant a failure in areas such as “safeguarding” children automatically meant a fail overall.

The school was praised for links with parents and the community and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Wheatley Park is the only secondary school in the county in special measures.

Visit the school’s website wheatley-park.oxon.sch.uk or ofsted.gov.uk to read the report in full