The Isle of Wight's Ryde School must submit an improvement plan to the secretary of state for education by Monday, after a series of failings were identified by a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

It has also been given a deadline for turning around its problems.

In response the school, which describes itself as an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2 and half to 18, says it has already taken action to address issues over the use of discriminatory language and staff recruitment.

Scroll down for the school's statement...

Isle of Wight County Press:

Inspectors visited the fee-paying private school between May 10 and 13 and a report was published shortly after (read it HERE).

It found immediate action was needed to ensure respectful behaviour among pupils, in order to prevent discrimination, and to call out inappropriate language.

It called for the school to ensure a sufficient number of suitable references were obtained for new staff, as well as for more checks on staff moving to the school from abroad, including for medical fitness.

In November, a letter was sent to Ryde School about failings against the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools.

A plan of action is required by December 19, while steps towards improvement are expected by February 17, 2023.

A follow-up inspection is also due to take place.

What concerns were raised by inspectors about Ryde School on the Isle of Wight?

Failings were noted in early years education as well as among older pupils.

Improvements were required in leadership and management, as well as in the way the school supports its pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The welfare and health and safety of pupils sparked concern, including among those who board at the school.

The school was required to answer concerns about the safe recruitment of some of its staff. 

Inspectors also found the school had failed to protect some pupils from discrimination and to provide individualised care for boarders.

What has Ryde School said about the report?

A spokesperson told the Isle of Wight County Press that Ryde School with Upper Chine is taking concerns about its staff recruitment 'very seriously.'

A statement said: "As explained to parents by headmaster at the time, Mr Waldron, the school immediately implemented action points...during the summer term."

The school, which has around 770 day pupils and more than 50 boarders, says it is now compliant, has updated its records and procedures and told parents about the changes in October.

It also made the report available on its website when it was received, earlier this year.

Ryde School with Upper Chine says it took immediate action on other areas of concern and has already submitted an action plan.

Over concerns some older pupils did not 'demonstrate a strong understanding of how their own use of language can reflect and convey disrespect and discrimination', the school said: "The Independent Schools Inspectorate has recommended we further strengthen senior school pupils' understanding in this area.

"We are doing this by building on the work the school has already carried out around equality, diversity and inclusion."

It said it has put a renewed focus on those areas since September, through assemblies, its personal development programme, discussions and via an expanded pastoral care team. 

The Ryde School spokesperson said: "All staff take very seriously the responsibility of ensuring language used by pupils is appropriate, kind and considerate of others."