A major multi-academy trust (MAT) has been given a warning notice by the national schools commissioner over the standards in one of its secondary schools rated inadequate by Ofsted.

David Ross Education Trust has been given a pre-termination warning notice in respect of Lodge Park Academy in Corby, which was placed in special measures in January.

A letter from Dominic Herrington, the national schools commissioner, and Martin Post, the regional schools commissioner for North West London and South Central England, says they are seriously concerned that Ofsted found trustees had overseen a decline in the school’s performance.

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It highlights the inspectorate’s findings from the report, which state:

• Outcomes for pupils have been too low for too long.
• Too many pupils make inadequate progress across a wide range of subjects.
• Disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) do not make good progress.
• Teachers do not manage pupils’ behaviour well.
• Leaders have not ensured that additional money for pupils with SEND is used effectively.
• Leaders have not ensured the curriculum meets the needs of pupils.   

The letter says: “As the national schools commissioner acting on behalf of the secretary of state, I need to be satisfied that Lodge Park can achieve rapid and sustained improvement. 

“If we are not satisfied that this can be achieved, we will consider issuing a termination warning notice.”

The letter adds that, following a meeting in March, Mr Herrington is “currently of the view that the trust has the capacity to achieve the improvement required”.

However, it adds that if the school has not moved out of its inadequate judgement after four Ofsted visits, he will consider terminating the funding agreement. 

David Ross Education Trust is one of the largest MATs in the country, running 34 schools. 

Last week, Tes revealed new analysis that shows for the first time how MATs perform at Ofsted inspections.

The figures, produced by Education Datalab, give a breakdown of both primary and secondary trusts.

In the tables, David Ross was ranked 144th out of 232 trusts for the performance of its primary schools - with 83.7 per cent rated good or better.

In the secondary tables for MAT Ofsted ratings, the trust was ranked 52nd out of 78 trusts - with 66.7 per cent of its schools rated good.

A spokesperson for the David Ross Education Trust said: “We have taken the findings from Ofsted’s inspection in January very seriously, and acknowledge the DfE’s views. 

“Recognising the school’s challenges, we brought in one of our experienced academy-transformation leaders in October, who was appointed executive principal earlier this year. Under his leadership, we have already put in place new strategies to tackle the areas noted by Ofsted as part of our action plan, and we are confident that we will improve outcomes at Lodge Park Academy.”