Ashby School has confirmed it will operate as two separate campuses from September this year following safety fears raised by Ofsted inspectors.

But the school's headmaster Geoff Staniforth says it is 'disappointing' that the issue forced the school to be deemed 'inadequate'.

The school has operated over two sites, one in Nottingham Road, the other on Leicester Road, for decades.

Students have switched between the two depending on which lessons they are attending.

A number of former pupils have since been in touch with Ashby School to say that the arrangement was never a problem for them.

But Mr Staniforth says the school is falling into line by making sure students do not have to cross Leicester Road to get to classes.

The matter came to light on Thursday when a letter from the headmaster to pupils was featured on the Spotted: Ashby de la Zouch Facebook page.

And, on Friday, the school released a statement to Ashby Nub News from Mr Staniforth.

It reads: "We are delighted that the Ofsted inspectors confirmed the quality of education at KS4 (Years 10 and 11) and in the Sixth Form to be good.

"It was very pleasing to receive recognition for the ambitious curriculum we offer. Students' behaviour and attitude was also rated good.

"However, it is very disappointing that perceived issues with safeguarding, largely relating to the split nature of the school site, caused the school to be deemed inadequate.

"The split site has not been an issue in the 35 years that I have been at the school or in any of the previous inspections.

"In line with plans already drawn up by the school for future site developments, Ashby School will open as two separate campuses from September 2020. This means that all KS4 students will be based on the Nottingham Road site, while Sixth Formers will have their own dedicated post-16 campus on Leicester Road.

"We are very excited to introduce these changes which we believe will not only answer any safeguarding concerns but will enable us to continue to offer a safe and successful educational experience for many more generations of Ashby students.

"Since the Ofsted report was published, we  have been gratified to receive so much positive feedback from parents and the local community who know the school well and continue to fully support our aims and ambitions."