A secondary school has been told it must urgently improve after being handed a shocking hygiene rating.

At an inspection on July 11, Hartsdown Academy in Margate was rated zero by food standards officers.

On cleanliness and condition of facilities and building, assessors say urgent improvement is necessary.

Meanwhile, major improvement is key to management of food safety according to inspectors - but the hygienic handling of food is generally satisfactory.

The damning rating follows another low score last May, where it was rated a two.

In 2015, however, the school impressed inspectors and was awarded a five for its food hygiene.

Head teacher Matthew Tate says that the kitchen was closed, with Charles Dickens school providing food until the end of the summer term.

"The school closed the kitchen at the school due to the loss of hot water, environmental health visited after this decision had been made," he said.

"As the kitchen was due to be demolished Charles Dickens provided food until the end of term.
"The school is having a new kitchen as part of a £13 million rebuild and will be using a temporary kitchen while this is being built."