A PRIMARY school told it "requires improvement" by Ofsted has been described as an example of how academy status does not guarantee success.

While debate continues around the Government's plan for all schools in England to become academies, the education watchdog found Manor School in Didcot lacking in "early years provision" and lacking consistent teaching.

The 497-pupil school in Lydalls Close became an academy in June 2013, and Didcot Town councillor Margaret Davies, who attended the school herself, said the rating showed academy status does not guarantee a successful school.

Previously the school was judged as 'Good' by Ofsted before it became an academy.

She said: "Being an academy is no guarantee of it being successful.

"I do not know what has gone wrong there and I am sure staff will not only be disappointed but also that this is the result of their achievements."

But she added: "This is an example of a school that does and still has, I think a good reputation – I am very optimistic that this can be turned around.

"Manor School is quite a large school in terms of numbers and I think parents like the school, which is important.

"This has always been a very good school I think that the headteacher and the deputy headteacher have taken a lot on their own shoulders and are working extremely hard.

"There seems to be a need of more delegation from the two main roles."

The report, which details results from an inspection in April this year, said: "Teaching is too variable and because of this, pupils do not make the progress of which they are capable, including the most able, those who are disadvantaged and those with lower starting points.

"The school's curriculum does not provide enough challenge for pupils, including opportunities for them to develop their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness."

But it did recognise the work from the headteacher and deputy headteacher and the recent appointments in the teaching staff as: "It is a welcoming place to work and learn."

Headteacher John Hawkins said: "We were disappointed with the 'requires improvement' judgement by Ofsted.

"The report recognises recent ‘well-judged initiatives to improve the school, which have not yet had sufficient time to show impact.’

"Improving the measurement of impact on pupils learning is a theme throughout the report, which requires governors and school leaders to monitor more closely."

Chairman of governors Jon Paine said: "The whole of the Manor School team welcomes this challenge to improve standards further.

"We are actively engaged in ensuring that this improvement happens, and that Manor School will continue to provide a great start to education for current and future pupils."