A city high school with more than 1,500 pupils has vowed to take action on the bad behaviour highlighted by Ofsted but has hit out at the timing of its inspection.

Hellesdon High School, which is part of The Wensum Trust, was inspected by the education standards office in early October and was found to be "requiring improvement" overall. 

But the school and sixth form was ranked "good" in all categories but one. 

Norwich Evening News: Hellesdon High School is owned by the Wensum TrustHellesdon High School is owned by the Wensum Trust (Image: Newsquest)

In its report, published at the end of last month, Ofsted highlighted an issue with attendance and behaviour in a "minority" of pupils who "do not display positive attitudes".

Other criticisms included a need to "ensure that a calm and orderly environment" is maintained across all lessons and that some students who struggle to read are not supported effectively.

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Each Ofsted report is based on five key parameters; the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and sixth-form provision. 

Norwich Evening News: Hellesdon High School principal Tom RolfeHellesdon High School principal Tom Rolfe (Image: Archant (C) 2014)

Following the inspection, principal Tom Rolfe said: "We are delighted that most elements of our high school and sixth form have been rated as 'good' but we understand that parents may be concerned that behaviours and attitudes within the school require improvement.

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"We acknowledge that we have experienced some low-level disruption in our classrooms and we have been working hard to put practices in place for.

"We came into the new school year with a new leadership team and a clear plan for the future, reviewing our practices and implementing changes before the Ofsted inspection."

Norwich Evening News: The recent report highlighted behavioural issues among a minority in the schoolThe recent report highlighted behavioural issues among a minority in the school (Image: Newsquest)

Hellesdon High's last full inspection, in November 2012, rated the school "good" in all five categories, earning it the second-highest rating. 

Mr Rolfe added: "It is disappointing that the inspection took place four weeks into the start of the new school year before we had the chance to fully implement our plans. 

"The Ofsted team did note this and we have requested a monitoring visit so that inspectors will see our improvement plan is efficient and effective."