An Oldham MP has shared her "disappointment" after a damning report was released following the inspection of a school in her area.

According to the education regulator Ofsted, pupils at Waterhead Academy in Lees, are being left “not fully prepared to take their place in modern Britain”.

The poor behaviour of a "significant" number of students disrupting others and a "legacy of low aspiration and ambition" was highlighted.

The report, which was shared with parents but has not yet been published on Ofsted's website, insisted pupils “are not getting a good deal at Waterhead Academy” and mentioned there were instances of homophobic and racist language.

The school was given an overall rating of "inadequate" – the worst possible rating and is based on an inspection by five Ofsted inspectors in October last year.

READ MORE: Special measures for Oldham school given worst Ofsted rating.

Responding to the news, Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “It is disappointing to learn that Waterhead Academy has been inspected as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted in their most recent inspection.

“Whilst I have seen a summary report, I have not yet had access to all the published information from Ofsted. I will look at this in detail once it is available.

“I have visited Waterhead Academy as part of my regular visits to schools and it is clear their pupils have talent and creativity.

“The teachers I have met have also shown commitment to these students.

"However the serious concerns raised by Ofsted must be addressed.

“Every young person deserves access to good quality education in supportive settings so they can achieve their potential and succeed in life. No one should have to face abusive language or name calling.

“I understand the new principal has a plan in place and is working with stakeholders to improve the situation.

“I will be asking to meet with him to discuss this.

"It is also important that schools are getting the right resources and investment from government and it is clear more needs to be done.

“In Oldham, 96 of 99 schools face cuts in 2023. I will continue to monitor the situation locally and call for the right support for schools nationally.”

In response to a request for comment on the report, headteacher Mr James Wilson said: “Waterhead Academy is a thriving school community with talented and creative young people.

“My first act as principal was to undertake an honest appraisal of the school and understand its strengths and weaknesses.

"The assessment informed a 100-day plan that is already underway to make significant improvements to all areas of the school.

“The recent Ofsted inspection raises several issues that we are quickly addressing.

"We are working with all key stakeholders to provide a high-quality education for our students both within the classroom and beyond so that students can achieve the best academic and broader outcomes to achieve their ambitions.

“Things are changing for the better at our school, and we’re working closely with parents, carers and students to create positive change.”

In a letter to parents last week addressing the rating and report, he said: "Over the next few weeks, I will write to you in a very open and honest way to let you know about the good things that I will undoubtedly see, but I will also draw your attention to those things we need to work on together to improve.

"This journey of improvement will require positive discussion and collaboration between school and home but will ultimately support positive and sustained improvements for individuals as well as the wider school community."

The full report can now be read on Ofsted’s website.