The councillor overseeing education in Swindon has reacted to The Deanery CE Academy’s damning first Ofsted report.

The secondary school in Peglars Way,  Wichelstowe, was recently inspected for the first time since it opened in 2019.

At the time, the £25m school promised to be “exceptional” and help students to “live life in all its fullness.”

But four-and-a-half years later the school has been labelled as inadequate and in need of special measures.

“Pupils have not had opportunities to learn about and discuss discrimination and fundamental British values,” the report said following the inspection on September 12 and 13.

“Without this experience, pupils do not understand that homophobic or racist comments are unacceptable.

“Pupils are not receiving an adequate education.”

Swindon Borough Council has now reacted to The Deanery’s criticisms and has promised to “immediately” help to improve the issues.

Councillor Adorabelle Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is incredibly disappointing news for the children, parents, staff and everyone associated with The Deanery.

“It is imperative that swift and decisive action is now taken to ensure the school provides the standard of education that its pupils deserve.

“We will be working closely with the Department for Education’s regional director and the Diocesan Trust to ensure that this improvement journey starts immediately.”