The school has poor teaching standards, leadership and pupil behaviour

Newtown High School has poor teaching standards, leadership and pupil behaviour, according to school inspectors.

The National Union of Teachers blames the school's leadership, fronted by head teacher, Glyn Hughes, because members of the 50-strong teaching staff feel unsafe.

But the Secondary Heads Association of Wales is supporting Mr Hughes - who has taken sick leave - claiming he has been unfairly pilloried by the other union.

The head teacher has been pilloried by the NUT in a public and professional assassination Brian Rowlands, Secondary Heads Association of Wales

The damning inspectors' report highlights poor behaviour by a "significant number" of the 900 pupils at the school.

This means teachers feel unsafe in the classroom, according to NUT Cymru Secretary, Gethin Lewis.

Pain and shame

"I have spoken to the governing body and told them that a crisis exists in the school as a result of a breakdown in the disciplinary structure, the poor behaviour of pupils and the lack of leadership and support from the head teacher," said Mr Lewis.

The report, conducted by Estyn, also said the school lacks a clear sense of shared vision and it experiences considerable problems because of staff absences due to sickness.

"We do not want Newtown High School to become an officially designated failing school with all the pain and shame that incurs for staff and pupils," said Mr Lewis.

"Things must be sorted out at the top and it is up to the governing body and Powys local education authority to take decisive action now."

Governor Brian Harris says an action plan is being worked on

But Brian Rowlands, secretary of the Secondary Heads Association, has hit back at the NUT's accusations, claiming criticism of the head teacher will hit already low morale at the school.

"We are appalled that the NUT has pinpointed the blame for the school's problems on one person," said Mr Rowlands.

"The head teacher has been pilloried by the NUT in a public and professional assassination."

Brian Harris, the school's chair of governors, said a detailed action plan would be drawn up to improve the situation.

"The report is fair and professional and its findings have been accepted by the head teacher, staff and governing body.

He added that governors, the school and Powys Council had already started working on the plan.

A Powys County Council spokesman confirmed that Mr Hughes had taken sick leave from 9 April.