ABBEYWOOD Community School in Stoke Gifford has been placed in special measures by Ofsted.

Inspectors said results at the former Filton High School, which has more than 900 pupils, had been poor for three years and students had not made enough progress because teaching was not good enough.

Pupils told Ofsted that many lessons were interrupted by poor behaviour and attitudes to learning.

"The resulting disruption slows the pace of learning for everyone and the focus for the teaching becomes managing behaviour rather than inspiring students to learn," the inspection report said.

Lead inspector Karl Sampson said the school, which was given a notice to improve in October 2010, shortly before moving into £30 million new buildings, had not been providing an acceptable standard of education.

"The curriculum and systems for providing care, guidance and support do not meet the learning needs of all students," he said.

Mr Sampson also expressed concern that students might not meet their targets for GCSE results this year, although he noted that good plans had been made to reorganise the curriculum to help them.

But he added that since Dave Baker, the head of neighbouring Bradley Stoke Community School, had taken over as executive head teacher, improvements had begun.

"A good start has been made in tackling a legacy of poor behaviour and the clear sense of direction and shared purpose is welcomed by staff," said Mr Sampson.

The inspectors said a "get tough" policy on uniform, mobile phone use and lateness had been welcomed by parents, staff and pupils.

The report found the school's provision inadequate in 17 out of 31 areas. Inspectors said the school needed to improve:

● the rate of progress made by all students;

● behaviour and students' attitudes to learning;

● the proportion of good or better teaching;

● leadership.

Abbeywood has 805 pupils aged 11 to 16, and 123 aged 16 to 18.

Sixth form provision was found to be satisfactory and improving.

South Gloucestershire Council's director for children and young people, Therese Gillespie, said: "While we are disappointed with the outcome of the recent inspection at Abbeywood Community School, we have full confidence in the current leadership of the school to bring about the necessary improvements.

"Dave Baker, as executive head teacher, has already made an excellent start at the school and we look forward to working closely with him and the governors of the school as they take forward the clear plans for improvement.

In a letter to parents, Mr Baker said the verdict of the inspection team had been a "huge blow" but that the changes mentioned in the report had been continuing since the Ofsted visit and the school was now ready for a "new beginning".

"There is an atmosphere of good order and calm in the school and we need to build on this foundation to raise aspirations and self belief so that students can achieve all of which they are capable," he wrote.

Abbeywood Community School replaced Filton High School in September 2010, opening in £30 million new buildings on the same site.

Head teacher Ann Duff resigned in October last year.