hrobinson@thekmgroup.co.uk

Another Medway school has been placed in special measures by inspectors.

A team from Ofsted found that Gordon Junior School, Strood, is: "failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education."

The report also stated that those who are leading, managing or governing the school are "not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement".

The Hundred of Hoo School went into special measures in June followed by Skinner Street Primary, Gillingham, in July.

A letter from Gordon Junior chairman of governors Andrew Moon and a copy of the report were sent home to parents on Friday.

Parents and carers have been invited to attend the school on Wednesday, September 23, to talk about concerns at 2.45pm or 7pm.

Inspectors found achievement is inadequate overall and although pupils leave with average standards in mathematics and science, standards in English are below average and falling especially in reading.

Results in national tests in English have been low since 2007 and predictions show that by 2010 the school’s results may put it among some of the lowest schools nationally.

The report adds: "The school does not have robust systems to monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and to follow up on weaknesses identified in this way.

"The roll is falling and over two-thirds of parents and carers responding to a questionnaire have mainly valid concerns about the school. Some are about pupils’ progress and others are about leadership."

Some positive comments within the report are the personal development and well being of pupils. The majority of the youngsters are said to enjoy school and their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is said to be good. Attendance at the school is above the national average and there are now very few persistent absentees.

Head teacher Ellen Wilson is on sick leave. In her absence the head of Gordon Infant School Andrea Carter has taken over as interim head of both schools.