A Suffolk secondary school has been told it needs to improve after concerns around quality of learning, behaviour and communication with parents were identified. 

Ormiston Sudbury Academy in Tudor Road, which had been rated 'good' since its last full inspection in 2014, was visited by Ofsted on September 12 and 13 and given an overall rating of 'requires improvement'. 

Inspectors found that while there are now higher expectations for pupils' achievement with a "broad and balanced curriculum", pupils do not consistently learn as well as they should. 

The report stated that pupils are happy at school, staff care about their well-being and it is typically calm, but that there are "small pockets" where learning is disturbed by behaviour. 

Sudbury Mercury: Ormiston Sudbury Academy in Tudor RoadOrmiston Sudbury Academy in Tudor Road (Image: Ormiston Academies Trust)

While safeguarding arrangements were found to be effective, the report stated some parents had concerns about the school's communication and were dissatisfied with how issues were dealt with. 

Inspectors wrote: "Some parents would like more information about what pupils will learn, so that they can better support learning at home." 

The report said the school ensures SEND pupils access the same curriculum as others and their needs are usually supported well.

However, for some SEND pupils, learning was described as "patchy". 

Ormiston Sudbury Academy was rated 'requires improvement' overall, and in leadership and management and the quality of education categories. 

It was given a 'good' rating for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. 

Sudbury Mercury: Sally Morris, principal at Ormiston Sudbury AcademySally Morris, principal at Ormiston Sudbury Academy (Image: Ormiston Academies Trust)

Sally Morris, principal at Ormiston Sudbury Academy, said: "I am pleased to see Ofsted has highlighted a number of key areas where our academy is working hard to provide students with opportunities that enable them to get their most out of their learning and to support them to unlock their potential.

"We are clear about the improvements that need to be made and will be working tirelessly to achieve this."

Ms Morris thanked everyone for welcoming her to the school, which she joined at the start of the academic year. 

"With the support of our staff, governors and those at the Trust, I look forward to building on the foundations outlined within the report to continue our improvement journey," she said.