An academy has been placed in special measures after it was deemed “inadequate” in Ofsted’s latest inspection report.

Abbs Cross Academy and Arts College, Abbs Cross Lane, Hornchurch, was inspected by the education watchdog in June and the results published last week have highlighted a number of issues.

The report calls the school’s work to keep students safe “inadequate” and states that it has overall “declined” since the previous inspection in 2012.

Ofsted inspectors found that teaching requires improvement and a “sufficient challenge” is not always provided to students in lessons.

The report also stated that teachers fail to check students’ work “thoroughly enough” with the quality of marking not “consistently good” across subjects.

It says: “Since the previous inspection, students’ progress overall has been stable.

“However, actions taken to accelerate students’ progress have not led to them making better progress.

“Achievement requires improvement.”

The inspection team observed 17 lessons and looked through students’ work books.

Discussions were also held with the joint acting headteachers, senior and middle leaders as well as parents.

Ofsted rate schools 1-4 (4 being the worst) on a number of factors.

Achievement of pupils was rated 3, quality of teaching 3, behaviour and safety of pupils 4 and leadership and management 4.

Ashley Dixon, headteacher, said: “We are very disappointed with the outcome of the inspection.

“We have already put measures in place to address all the areas highlighted for improvement by Ofsted, and we are confident this will get the school back on track as quickly as possible.

“While we know there is a lot of work for us to do, we are pleased that inspectors also noted many strengths at the school, including that behaviour is good, students feel safe, that we provide good support for students who need help and we successfully work in partnership with parents.”