'Consider closing Ridings School'

The school became notorious in the 1990s when teachers walked out

Councillors should consider shutting one of the UK's most troubled schools, an education minister has said.

The Ridings School in Halifax was put back into special measures on Tuesday after a damning report by inspectors.

The school gained notoriety in 1996 when staff walked out over classroom violence. A new head was appointed.

Now, Schools Minister Andrew Adonis has said Calderdale Council, which runs the school, should look at closing it altogether.

The situation at The Ridings School is serious and unacceptable Andrew Adonis Schools Minister

The new report by Ofsted said attempts to improve the school had been scuppered by a core of teachers who refuse to accept change.

Calderdale Council is to ask Education Secretary Alan Johnson for permission to remove the existing governors.

It wants to replace them with a small executive board to oversee improvements.

'Unteachable pupils'

Reacting to the report, Mr Adonis said: "The situation at The Ridings School is serious and unacceptable.

"Calderdale Council has an unambiguous responsibility to act immediately to improve provision for pupils at this school.

"The future of the school must now also be decided and the council should consider the complete closure of the school."

The Ridings School was formed in 1995 by the amalgamation of two former secondary modern schools.

A year later the school was temporarily closed when teachers walked out over 61 "unteachable pupils" they wanted expelled.

The media dubbed The Ridings "the worst school in Britain", "the school from hell" and "Grange Hell".

The new Ofsted report rated the school "inadequate" in 18 out of 26 categories.

'Significant changes'

The quality of teaching, behaviour, exam results and pupils' progress were all criticised.

However, the inspectors backed head teacher Stuart Todd's attempts to improve the school in the face of opposition from a minority of his teachers.

Mr Todd said he was disappointed with the report

Mr Todd, who was brought into the school last year, told BBC Look North he was disappointed with the report.

He said: "I think things have changed - the school's made significant changes over many, many years by people who were here long before my time.

"That's been done with a solid governing body and a great many teachers and young people who have done the very best they can.

"On a personal basis I am disappointed this school has gone into special measures.

"There have even been significant improvements since I have been here."

He added that the majority of teachers were supportive and they were determined to do what they could to raise standards at the school.

Stephen Baines, Calderdale Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "The interests of the young people at this school are paramount.

"The council is unequivocal in its support for the school's head teacher and senior management team as they attempt to bring about significant improvements."

'Decent school'

Parents said they did not believe the school should be closed.

Karen Denton, 42, has a 12-year-old daughter at the school and another daughter who has recently left.

She said: "As far as I'm concerned my children have done really well.

"I have nieces and nephews who have gone to university after The Ridings and I think it should stay.

"I believe in the head teacher. It's a decent school now, but some kids spoil it for others."

Rachel Meade, 31, who has one son at the school, said: "He seems to enjoy the school. I don't want it to shut down because it's close to home."