Farleigh Further Education College (FFEC) which teaches those on the autism spectrum disorder and pupils such as those with Aspergers is not considered a safe place by some of those who go there.

That was the conclusion of a report into the college inspected by the CQC and published earlier this month.

At the time of the inspection there were 26 learners resident at the Frome college with a further 40 going in each day.

The report concluded that it was inadequate in all five key areas:

The quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management and in terms of Provision for Learners with high needs.

A spokesperson for the College said: "The Governors and Leadership of Farleigh Further Education College recognise the points raised within the report and have an extensive action plan in place to address them as swiftly as possible.

"There is currently a recruitment process in place to appoint a new Headteacher and an extended leadership team, which will ensure the required progress is sustained going forward. In addition to this, new safeguarding systems have delivered significant improvements and the College team are fully focused on supporting our students to achieve the best possible outcomes."

In its recommendations, the inspectors said that leaders at the college must take urgent action to ensure all learners are safe and feel safe by ensuring that managers and staff adhere closely to FFEC's safeguarding policies and procedures and swiftly respond to any concerns.

They must also establish an ambitious, well-planned, well-taught and coherent curriculum that enables learners to gain the new knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to successfully achieve their goals and move on to their next steps.

The college at the top of North Parade in Frome offers studies in GCSEs, A levels and other vocational courses.

A previous inspection in 2018 had recorded the college as Good.

You can read the full report HERE