A SECOND primary school in Blackbird Leys is in special measures after a withering Ofsted report said students were 'not prepared for life in modern Britain'.

Following a visit in mid-October, inspectors have branded leadership, teaching, welfare and pupil outcomes at Orchard Meadow Primary School, inadequate.

The 403-pupil school in Cuddesdon Way was in special measures before it became an academy in 2012 and has battled low Ofsted ratings since then.

The report noted that new headteacher Cathy Godden had made a 'positive start' and governors were 'realistic, honest and knowledgeable' about Orchard Meadow's position.

But it said: "Standards in reading, writing and mathematics are low because of inadequate teaching over time. Teachers' expectations are too low.

"The poor behaviour of too many pupils remains a significant area of concern and has a negative impact on learning across the school.

"Pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is weak. They are not prepared well for life in modern Britain."

Standards in reading, writing and mathematics were found to be below par with the 'very poor quality' of some pupils' work cited as a key concern.

It also said provision for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities was 'weak', with staff not sufficiently trained to meet their day-to-day needs.

Despite the shortcomings, early years provision was praised and the school noted that children felt safe, and talked 'animatedly' and with excitement about their studies.

Two of the estate's three primary schools, run by the Blackbird Academy Trust (BAT), are now in special measures after Windale failed to meet standards in March 2015.

In a statement the trust said: "The new senior leadership team and the trustees of the Blackbird Academy Trust recognise that significant further work is needed to bring about sustained and consistent improvement across all year groups at Orchard Meadow.

"To achieve this, together with staff and parents, we plan to build on the reported strengths and improvements now emerging at the school.

"We remain totally committed to ensuring the best possible start to education for all children in the academy across the Leys."