STUDENTS demonstrating 'inappropriate and difficult' behaviour are making teachers reluctant to join a Rossendale school, according to the headteacher.

Helen Stead said that Fearns Community Sports College in Bacup was experiencing 'recruitment issues' and that some students are causing the problem through bad behaviour and being 'uncooperative'.

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She added that a number of pupils have recently been excluded for 'persistent disruption'.

The comments come after Ofsted criticised the school in December for not improving enough to come out of 'special measures' and boost its grade from 'inadequate'.

Inspector Shirley Gornall said that 'wilful non-compliance with teachers’ instructions led to disrupted learning'.

In a letter to parents headteacher Mrs Stead said: "I am sure you are aware that we are experiencing some staff recruitment issues.

"Nationally, curriculum areas such as maths and technology have a serious shortage of specialist staff.

"To recruit and retain staff whilst in special measures is a significant challenge.

"Unfortunately a number of our pupils are impacting on this issue through a lack of co-operation and demonstrating inappropriate and difficult behaviour.

"A number of pupils have recently been excluded for persistent disruption.

"We understand how unsettling the changes are for our children, but we appeal to them and you to support us through this difficult period."

The National Union of Teachers in East Lancashire has said that there is 'no quick fix' to the national problem of teacher recruitment and that student behaviour is sometimes 'overlooked' because of other pressures to meet government requirements.

Simon Jones, who speaks for the NUT in the region, said: "It's an understandable problem as schools needing the most help find it the hardest to attract teachers."

The school has also said that recent comments on social media have 'undermined' its work and has called on parents to 'carefully consider' future posts.

Parents of children who are persistently causing 'serious concerns' are to be contacted by the school and parents have been asked to consider the potential impact of any comments online.

Mrs Stead added: "We are doing everything within our power to rectify this situation and we thank you for your patience.

"Please be assured that we always have the provision of a quality education at the centre of all we do.

"We would appreciate your support in encouraging your child to do their best every day and welcome the new staff to Fearns.

"We want everyone to know how great our children can be.

"The use of social media can be both supportive and detrimental.

"Some recent comments have seriously undermined the work of the school which affects the confidence and perceptions of our children, ultimately impacting on their progress.

"I ask you to carefully consider any comments you post on social media and the potential impact of these on the school and our children."