Let’s hope the failings at Wheatley Park School are sorted out quickly for the sake of its 1,170 pupils.

The school has been put into special measures after Ofsted inspectors found a catalogue of problems, including disruptive behaviour by pupils and a failure by the governors to tackle weaknesses.

The school will now have to formulate an urgent action plan to tackle its problems and face regular spot checks – or risk being closed.

Things have been on the slide since inspectors last called at the school in 2007, when it was given a satisfactory rating.

This is a dark day for the school and everyone needs to take responsibility for its predicament — teachers, pupils, parents and Oxfordshire County Council — in order for things to improve.