The future of the headteacher at a school heavily criticised by Ofsted is uncertain.

Waltham Holy Cross Junior School in Quendon Drive, Waltham Abbey, has been placed under special measures after failing to meet basic requirements across all categories.

Inspectors also found the management team and governors had not demonstrated an ability to improve the school.

The report cited year six students eligible for the pupil premium funding in 2013 were six months behind classmates for reading and maths and four terms behind in writing.

Good and outstanding teaching practise was found not to be shared effectively and Ofsted recommends the school does not take on newly qualified teachers.

Headteacher Diane Stygal is rumoured to have left her post today and is not listed on the school’s website as a staff member.

Today the school declined to comment and council is yet to clarify the situation.

The school will now be monitored closely by Ofsted inspectors.