Spotlight on school after exam results blow

A Dudley secondary school ranked as one of the worst in the borough will come under scrutiny from government education chiefs, it was revealed today.

At Castle High 26 per cent got five A to C grades including English and maths - against a government target of a minimum of 30 per cent.

The Department for Children, Schools and Families and Dudley Council will discuss how to improve and government inspectors may be drafted in. Head Trevor Johnson, announced his retirement at the St James's Road school last week.

Mr Johnson, aged 59, who will leave next April said: "I'm so sad about leaving.

"I joined the school in 2003 and was only meant to be here for five years but loved it so much I stayed.

"I did say I was not happy about the results but my decision to retire was made last May. The local authority asked me to stay.

"We only just missed the government target, getting 26 per cent, but I am confident we will be above the target next year."

Dudley Council cabinet member for education, councillor Liz Walker, said: "The catchment area for Castle High is very challenging. For many pupils English is only their second language."

One other borough school, Pensnett High, failed to meet the 30 per cent target.