A SCHOOL where some pupils felt ‘unsafe’ and were subject to racial abuse has been warned it could have its funding pulled by government.

The Grove Academy, which is run by SASH Education Trust, could be transferred to an alternative academy trust if it does not improve failures highlighted in a damning report.

Last month, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported the education watchdog Ofsted rated the Slough school as ‘inadequate’ during its first inspection since it opened in 2017.

Inspectors found some students’ behaviour at the Ladbrooke Road school can be ‘chaotic and dangerous,’ while others find it ‘intimidating and unsettling’.

Some pupils use ‘derogatory comments linked to pupils’ protected characteristics, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation.’ But the damning report highlighted many students want to learn but are affected by a ‘small but significant groups’ of misbehaving children.

READ MORE: Grove Academy in Slough rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted

A spokesperson for Grove Academy, which has about 900 attending the school, said it was “committed” to improvements and will be reviewing its behavioural system as well as expanding its pastoral team and collaborating with parents.

The trust received a termination warning notice from Dame Kate Dethridge, regional schools commissioner for North West London and South Central England, warning they could pull their funding and strip the school from the trust if improvements are not forthcoming.

Dame Dethridge wrote: “As regional schools commissioner, I need to be satisfied that the trust has capacity to deliver rapid and sustainable improvement at the academy.

“If I am not satisfied that this can be achieved, I will consider whether to terminate the funding agreement in order to transfer the academy to an alternative academy trust.”

READ MORE: Slough Borough Council spent £15m on temporary staff

A spokesperson from the SASH Education Trust said it has “confidence” that the Grove Academy has the ability to make the required improvements and is committed to enabling the current leadership team and staff to take the school forward.

They said: “As part of this the Trust has approved further investment to enable plans to be taken forward.  Already, effective planning and additional capacity have been put in place to ensure rapid and effective change, including additional staffing, resources and plans to improve the dining areas for pupils.

“In addition, Trustees and Governors will work closely with the leadership team, staff, the RSC [regional schools commissioner] and other partners to embed this work and to ensure the very best outcomes for Grove’s pupils.”

The trust has until June 24 to provide the immediate and appropriate action plans it has to address the issues raised by Ofsted, details of its governance and leadership arrangements, and any additional and relevant information.