A BRAINTREE School with "weaknesses in curriculum knowledge" has been told it must improve by education watchdogs.

Tabor Academy, in Panfield Lane, has been rated as 'requiring improvement' by Ofsted following its latest inspection.

It was given the rating for its quality of education and leadership and management.

The report said the school’s ambition is not “realised consistently across the curriculum”.

It said: “In some subjects there are weaknesses in the extent to which knowledge is clearly and logically sequenced and in the delivery of the curriculum through lessons.

“Sometimes, what pupils are expected to achieve is limited by the tasks they are given to do.

“Moreover, there are some factors that limit the impact of the curriculum for pupils with SEND (special educational needs).

“Pupils’ needs are identified. However, work with teachers to help them to understand the most effective strategies to use to support pupils with SEND is in the early stages and is not yet well understood.”

Inspectors said the school is working to improve, and the new headteachers have “already made their mark on the school”.

The report added: “Many parents think communication with them has improved and staff feel well supported to do a good job.

“Many staff and leaders are new in post and the two new headteachers are working hard to support all of these colleagues as well as carrying out the new aspects of their roles.

“Trust leaders are very aware of the need to ensure that the headteachers’ roles and responsibilities are clear.

“Trust leaders also understand that the headteachers need time and support to enable them to be strategic, in order to improve the school further.”

Some areas of the school were praised, and it was rated good for its behaviour and attitudes, personal development and sixth-form provision.

The report said Tabor is a “warm and welcoming school that pupils are happy to attend”.

Inspectors said pupils have a “good understanding of individual differences, are respectful of each other and work hard and want to succeed”.

The school also received praise for its ambition, sixth-form curriculum and safeguarding.

Tabor Academy was contacted for comment by the Braintree and Witham Times but did not respond.