A PERFORMING arts secondary school has been told it 'requires improvement' in its first ever Ofsted report.

The Elstree Technical College, in Studio Way, Borehamwood, opened in 2013 – but inspectors gave it the second-lowest grade possible.

Former principal Moira Green, who told the Borehamwood Times she had big visions for the secondary school months before it opened, left just before the May half term.

Acting principal Chris Mitchell is now temporarily leading the school. Emma Loveland, the current executive principal at the neighbouring Watford UTC, will now be executive principal of both UTCs.

The report highlighted the way the school does not make enough progress in science and foundation subjects.

It said: "The quality of teaching is inconsistent. It varies across and within subjects. Some specialist staff do not have sufficient understanding of how to teach well.

"At times, when students pay less attention, they are left unchallenged by teachers."

It added that procedures to asses students' progress lacks "clarity and rigour" and data is not effectively used to show how well students are doing in subjects.

One area of concern was the way pupils were not given enough time for personal, social and health education lessons, meaning they were unable to discuss matters of personal safety.

The report said: "The coordination of special educational needs is not good enough.

"Students who are disabled or have special educational needs, and some others who are reintegrating back into learning, do not receive enough support in lessons to help them progress."

There are also gaps in the leadership of some subjects and of the Sixth Form meaning pupils are not given the attention they require. Inspectors told the school to improve the quality of teaching for Year 12 and 13 students because it was "too variable".

But it was praised for securing "rapid improvements" in maths and English. Students also enjoy the "friendly, caring" atmosphere and most behave well and enjoy being at the school.

The report also praised the governors, adding: "The school's strong ethos, based on enabling students to acquire the skills needed for the arts and entertainment industry, is promoted well by staff and governors.

"Governors have a clear vision of what they want the school to achieve and provide it with the strategic leadership needed to guide its further development."

The school, which is sponsored by The Meller Educational Trust, Elstree Studios and the University of Hertfordshire, teaches pupils aged from 14 to 19 and specialises in entertainment, film, television and theatre lessons.

Executive principal Emma Loveland said: "A closer collaboration and partnership between the two UTCs will bring real benefits and opportunities for all students.

"I'm excited to be taking on this new challenge and believe that, with the support of the leadership team at The Elstree UTC, we can further improve the learning environment for students and strengthen our relationships with industry."