WYESHAM Junior School has been slammed by Estyn school inspectors following their recent visit to check on the quality of education standards achieved by pupils.

The inspector, Tim Boyce concluded in his report that the school had serious weaknesses in leadership and management and that standards obtained by pupils in mathematics was well below average.

Mr Boyce said that there had been insufficient improvement since the school's last inspection, but added: "During their time at Wyesham, pupils generally make the expected progress in their knowledge and understanding of most subjects.

"Whilst targets are generally being met in English and science, there are significant shortcomings in mathematics."

The report says that all pupils achieve similar standards irrespective of their gender, or their background and that the progress of pupils with additional learning needs, including those with special educational has many good features that outweigh any shortcomings.

The school's national test results do not compare favourably when set against Local Education Authority and national averages but improvement had been made in the past few years with the results in 2004 being above average for science, but were well below average in English and mathematics.

Mr Boyce said: "The management of the school is ineffective and no clear lead is being provided by the head teacher to implement national and local initiatives effectively.

"As a result standards of achievement are not as high as they should be. The senior teacher is aware of these shortcomings and has worked tirelessly to try and make good much of the shortfall."

The inspector also observed that the governing body is supportive of the school, but because it is not kept properly informed of what is happening, it is unable either to monitor the work of the school or to help set the strategic direction.

Mr Boyce added: "Since governors are not provided with sufficient high quality data to be able to form a clear picture of the school's situation, they have not able to hold the school to account for its lack of progress over recent years."

The report finds that the school does provide a good range of extra-curricular activities, which enriches the curriculum and is one of its strengths.

School concerts and charity activities are well supported by the parents. Most pupils show good attitudes to learning and are keen and enthusiastic about their work. However, when work is not well matched to pupils' abilities or the pace of the lesson is too slow pupils become restless and lose interest.

The Inspector concluded that pupils are well cared for at Wyesham Junior School and are well prepared for their transition to secondary school. He added: Progress in pupils' personal, social, moral and wider development has many good features that outweigh shortcomings but they suffer from shortcomings in both the spiritual and cultural experiences.

The report also finds that in general, the school has an adequate supply of resources. They are of good quality and are accessible to all staff and pupils.

There are an adequate number of computers available to pupils but only one electronic whiteboard for the school that is used by the one class.