PARENTS have reacted with concern after a secondary school was placed into special measures after being given the lowest rating in an Ofsted rating last month.

The Star reported when St Augustine's School was rated inadequate by the education watchdog in a report published in March.

The Catholic school on Boardmans Lane was given the lowest rating in all four categories: leadership; teaching; personal development and outcomes for pupils after the inspection in February.

Among the criticisms inspectors made was calling the school's progress in Key Stage 4 for English, maths and science "among the worst seen across the whole country" with leadership of the school described as "fragile".

The watchdog also said leaders and governors have overseen a "significant decline" in the school's education and have "unwittingly created a climate of low aspirations and expectations".

They added head teacher Mark Hagan has not been able to address areas which need improvement as quickly as he might "because of weaknesses in senior and middle leadership, as well as in governance".

When asked by the Star, a St Helens Council spokesman said they were not yet aware of any potential changes to be made to personnel at the school.

He added it would a matter for school governors and not something the council would take a hand in.

A statement said: “The local authority will continue to work with the school and the archdiocese to improve outcomes at St Augustine’s, in order that students there can achieve to the best of their abilities.”

Meanwhile, parents of students and past pupils expressed concern following the publication of the inspectors' report.

One wrote on the Star's social media pages: "My son goes to this school. He has complained a number of times about disruptive kids in class and not being able to learn".

Another added: "Sent my boy there, not a good school at all".

One said: "I think the problem is lack of support for teachers rather than teachers letting the pupils down.

"Government cuts fail our children, not the hard working teachers who commit to educating them, they need support not judgement, teach children respect at home and this will allow them the right skills to embrace school".

Meanwhile, an ex-pupil said: "How sad. When I went (from 19)94-99, it was considered a great school and a place there was enviable".

However, one parent wrote: "My son and daughter go this school and they love it. Academically they are thriving, I have no concerns whatsoever".