Ofsted, the education watchdog, has said that too many schools are failing to rise above the “satisfactory” grade, and there are also concerns about the quality of teaching, which has not risen above the satisfactory grade in 41% of schools.

The report also warned that schools in the poorest communities were more likely to be rated as ‘inadequate’.

Acting chief inspector of schools, Miriam Rosen said, "It is of great concern to see high numbers of schools, colleges and childcare providers that are consistently delivering services for children and young people that are no better than satisfactory.

"Ensuring that there is real improvement must be a matter of urgency for these organisations."

Ofsted’s report is the latest warning pertaining to “coasting” schools, often in wealthy areas, where they should be achieving good results but fail to let pupils reach their potential.

The report states that 800 schools have been deemed ‘satisfactory’ in two successive inspections. This grade is above the level at which intervention is needed, but below the higher grades of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’.