A STRUGGLING high school is now “ready to face the future” after a radical reorganisation, its new head teacher has said.

St Chad’s in Runcorn has been plagued by financial problems since 2016 and last year received its second “inadequate” rating from Ofsted in five years.

But new head teacher James Forber has said he is optimistic about the school’s future after bringing in a new team since his appointment in January.

He said: “As a small school we work together in order to nurture, value, and support all members of our school family. This gives us a distinct advantage of knowing every single child and parent on a personal basis. 

“We are hoping to build a structure for a school ready to face the future.”

Last year’s Ofsted report said the school’s financial problems had distracted its leaders, who then failed to recognise “the severity of the problems that pupils face in their education”.

The school, which has around 700 pupils, is now in its second period of special measures.

St Chad’s was previously in special measures after being rated inadequate in 2014. A period of improvement followed, resulting in a new rating of “requires improvement” in 2017, before 2019’s disastrous inspection.

But Mr Forber, who has previously worked at Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Enterprise South Liverpool Academy, hopes a new curriculum that is due to start in September will help make a difference.

The new curriculum incorporates the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which will provide students with opportunities to get back outdoors after lockdown.

He said: “We will be working closely with the local community completing volunteer projects which will allow our young people to re-establish important links post lock down giving back to the local area.”

Cllr Tom McInerney, Halton Council’s executive board Member for children, young people and families, added: “The school has a bright future.  “I am impressed by the emphasis on mental health, so important, especially under the Covid lockdown, and note the new regime has already introduced a wellbeing hour each week.”