UPPER Avon School, Durrington, has become the first secondary school in Wiltshire to be placed in special measures.

A damning report following an Ofsted inspection earlier this term reveals low standards of teaching and learning in many subjects and poor levels of attainment in many classes.

Inspectors also noted that standards had declined since the previous inspection in March 1998.

But Rowena Brookes, who took over as headteacher of the 731-pupil school in January 1998, was singled out for praise for her leadership and management.

She said: "The inspection team were very professional and I have to say that their findings came as no surprise - we were already working on many of the issues.

"For the past five to ten years, the school has suffered from a lack of resources and more recently there have been problems recruiting staff."

Overall, the report concludes that Upper Avon School "is a very ineffective school where the poor quality of teaching and inconsistencies in management are having an adverse impact on the quality of education that students receive. The school provides poor value for money."

However, the report adds: "The new headteacher is beginning to have a positive impact on many aspects of the school's work."

Meetings have already taken place at the school to decide on an action plan for meeting Ofsted's requirements. The plan has to be completed by the last day of this term.