Christian free school 'failing to prepare students for life'
Ofsted inspectors have given a new Christian free school the lowest possible rating, just over a year after it opened.
Durham Free School has fallen into special measures and been rated inadequate on all four measures - leadership, behaviour, teaching and achievement. The report found it 'fails to prepare students for modern life', with a curriculum that does not help students to understand British values.
Inspectors said some students hold discriminatory views about people of other faiths that are not challenged, and there are many instances of bullying.
They found too much emphasis is put on religious credentials, not leadership or teaching skills, when recruiting key staff.
The report also said:
Students' achievement is weak, with low standards
Teachers' assessment is inadequate, with weak marking
Bad behaviour leads to unsafe situations, especially on school buses
Targets are too low
Durham Free School opened in September 2013, founded on a Christian ethos, and currently has 94 pupils.
The report did find some strengths: it said pupils enjoy the last lesson of the day, when they are encouraged to try different sports and music.
It found that the acting headteacher and deputy headteacher are developing a clearer vision for the school's future.
The school will now be closely monitored by Ofsted,
What is your experience of Durham Free School? Email pamandian@itv.com.