March 26, 2001 11:42: OVERCROWDING at a comprehensive school in Gravesend has been blamed for the its "barely satisfactory" Ofsted report.

Headteacher of St George's Church of England School, in Meadow Road, Ray Slade claims the large expansion of the school in the last five years "has affected teaching standards".

The Ofsted report which came out two weeks ago states: "The expansion of the school unsupported by a major building programme has led to a number of issues which now need urgently to be addressed."

It said the "school has many strengths but also a significant number of weaknesses."

Strengths highlighted included good pupil behaviour, support for special needs pupils and good management.

Its weaknesses include low standards in information technology and the need for a better timetable. In its list of what needs to be improved, the Ofsted report also states: "Reviewing the current admissions policy to consider whether standards would rise faster if the crowded nature of the site were to be reduced."

Governors are now drawing up an action plan to improve the school which includes a phased reduction of the school intake, starting in September 2002.

Mr Slade said: "Before 1994, the school's intake was 180, now it is 240 which is far too high.

"The school's population currently stands at 1,400 and it should be 1,250.

"As a result, teaching standards are not as high as they should be and we must deal with that.

A report from the Diocese of Rochester last month also mentioned over-crowding being a problem.

It states: "St George's is very crowded. The childrens' behaviour is generally good in lessons but can be boisterous in the narrow corridors."

The school now has 40 days to draw up an action plan which will then be circulated to all parents at the school.

Emma Coutts-Wood