Problems in recruiting teachers have prevented the rise in standards from satisfactory to good at Fitzharrys School in Abingdon, according to Ofsted inspectors.

The inspectors found the mixed secondary school provided a satisfactory standard of education to its 827 pupils, enabling a large majority of them from all backgrounds and levels of attainment to reach the standards of which they are capable in most subjects.

Provision for pupils' personal development was described as "adequate", but the inspectors noted managers had difficulties in recruiting specialist teachers, which hindered the school's attempts to raise standards from satisfactory to good.

The inspectors, however, found Fitzharrys has more strengths than weaknesses and it manages its resources well, providing satisfactory value for money.

Improvements had been made since the school's last inspection in 1997, although GCSE results in 2001 were well below the national average due to difficulties in recruiting teachers.

In the sixth form, work standards were above average and students made good progress in most subjects.

In 2001 A-Level results were well above the national average, which indicated a good improvement when compared with the students' previous results at GCSE.

Parents said they were concerned about the problems in recruiting teachers and criticised the quality of homework, although they noted much of the teaching was good and the school set high standards.

Headteacher Dr Phil Bloomfield welcomed the report.

He said: "I was pleased to read that teaching has been recognised as a strength.

"We have all worked hard at increasing our effectiveness in the classrooms year on year."

The report noted:

The proportion of pupils attaining five or more GCSE results at grades A* to G is above average.

Much of the teaching is good and helped pupils to make good progress.Achievement in the sixth form is good.

Pupils' good attendance contributes positively to the continuity of their learning. GCSE results at grades A* to C are unsatisfactory in science, design and technology, history and ICT.

Unsatisfactory behaviour by a few pupils, mainly boys, hinders learning in many classes.

Procedures to monitor and improve performance are not used consistently across all subjects.

Difficulties in recruiting teachers have affected standards adversely.