Uncertainty surrounding the future of Great Yarmouth High School has resulted in a 'state of paralysis' according to the latest Ofsted inspection.

The education watchdog conducted a Section 8 inspection report in October, on the back of the school being placed into special measures.

In the report published this week, Ofsted said the school's improvement is dependent on 'urgent resolution of the school's status, so that new staff can be employed and leadership can be strengthened'.

The reason for uncertainty is the ongoing talks over the lease of the site between the Inspiration Trust and the Great Yarmouth Grammar School Foundation.

If talks fail, the Inspiration Trust could walk away from taking on the school.

The school's headteacher Louise Jackson said: 'The report recognises the steps we have taken to improve standards and behaviour, such as our new anti-bullying policy and using alternatives to fixed term exclusions to keep pupils in school and learning.

'We are under no illusions that there is still a lot to do and we agree with Ofsted that we urgently need to end uncertainty over the school's future. We hope that a speedy resolution can be found that gives pupils, parents, and staff a secure future.'

In the report, a recent review by leaders of the new Interim Executive Board at the school was quoted as saying: 'Attitudes to learning are poor, and teachers were having to work extremely hard to achieve a satisfactory response.'

It added the situation in mathematics classes – which are mostly covered by temporary and supply teachers – is 'desperate'.

The report states that attendance figures were still low.