LADY Lumley’s School in Pickering has been rated “inadequate” by Ofsted following reports of bullying and homophobic and racist language.

The school was inspected by Ofsted last October, however, publication of the report was delayed as the school challenged the findings and subsequently took legal action. A later appeal to the High Court failed to grant an injunction.

The report, which was made public today (Tuesday), describes Lady Lumley’s as a “school of contrasts”.

“Behaviour in lessons is usually good. Expectations of what pupils can achieve are high, however, elsewhere a different picture emerges.

“A large minority of pupils do not feel safe in school. They do not feel protected from bullying. They do not believe that there is an adult they could could talk to if they were worried about anything.

“They are fearful and are fed up with, the behaviour of a small group of pupils. Some do not believe that the school site is secure. They hear abusive language which is not routinely challenged.”

The report adds that leaders and governors fail to understand why pupils do not feel safe or take bullying seriously.

“Pupils are concerned about the widespread use of homophobic and racist language. Some pupils do not report this because they do not expect staff or leaders to act,” the report adds.

“Some pupils have become hardened to such abusive language. Leaders should act to address the school culture in which this language is endemic and considered normal.”

A statement from Lady Lumley’s said: “Whilst there are a number of positive aspects to the report, we are bitterly disappointed with the overall outcome.

“The report says homophobic and racist language is endemic in school and not challenged by staff. This condemns the students at Lady Lumley’s to be classed as racist and homophobic and it condemns the staff to be classed as people who accept such behaviour.

“It also reflects on the whole community. This is the one of the main reasons we felt we had to challenge this report so strongly. We are deeply upset by this report and the process which produced it.

“Governors, staff, parents and carers know that Lady Lumley’s is a safe and effective school. We know that the outcome of this report and the future plans for the school will concern our parents and carers.

“We have sought to reassure them that this school will continue to provide its students with a good quality of education and continue to ensure all our students are very well cared for.”