A HIGH school still “requires improvement” according to Ofsted inspectors more than two years after it was surprisingly downgraded to the same rating.

Longhill High School remains requiring improvement following an Ofsted inspection last month with the report published today.

The school’s previous headmaster Haydn Stride reacted furiously in November 2013 when the Rottingdean school was downgraded from “good with outstanding features” labelling the decision “illogical” and launching an complaint.

The school seem set to accept the rating this time round as it matches their own self-evaluation.

Among the concerns raised by inspectors, the school was told its leaders have not improved the quality of teaching and outcomes consistently since the previous inspection, pupils are making less progress than they should in some subjects particularly mathematics and the gap between outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and other pupils in the school “is still too wide”.

Inspectors also noted that a small number of pupils, mostly in Years 7 and 8, do not concentrate properly or behave well in lessons, a few teachers do not apply the school’s behaviour policy consistently and the quality of middle leadership is not “securely good” in all subjects which is impacting on success in GCSE exams.

The report did praise “much expertise” within the teaching staff which generates enthusiasm for learning in many pupils, a high proportion of pupils going into further education, employment or training and some departments have developed very effective ways to prepare pupils for tests and GCSE exams.

Mr Stride left the post after eight years in November citing personal reasons with new headteacher Kate Williams to take over in September.

In the meantime, Dorothy Stringer Richard Bradford is overseeing the running of the school as executive headteacher and Jo Cassidy stepping up as acting headteacher.

A comment on the school’s website said: “The report was positive about the work of our acting head, who is ‘steering the school forward very well and concentrating on the key areas that need improvement’ and it confirmed that the school is being supported by governors who are described in the report as ‘determined to improve outcomes’.

“The areas Ofsted have identified for improvement provide a clear focus for the future. It has been confirmed that the school is moving in the right direction and that our new headteacher, Kate Williams, will have very solid foundations for driving forward further improvements when she joins the school later this summer.

“Everyone in the Senior Leadership Team, as well as the whole-school staff and Governing Board, appreciates the continued support of parents and the community. We are united in our determination to make Longhill a great school for all our present and future students.”