Keighley school achieves first Ofsted good rating
University Academy Keighley has achieved an Ofsted rating of good for the first time in its history and is now the only school in the town with the rating.
The good rating comes after a significant effort from the school and its partner academy Carlton Bolling, together with the support of sponsor the University of Bradford.
The Ofsted report noted the ‘considerable improvements’ that have been made and how ‘pupils have positive attitudes to learning and work hard’. It also says that pupils ‘are proud of their school and their work’.
The report particularly highlighted that:
- Leaders have high expectations for all pupils
- Pupils are polite and respectful and the school is calm and orderly
- Behaviour in class and around school has improved significantly
- Pupils achieve well and enjoy school
- The leadership team is making a real difference
- The quality of teaching has improved and is delivered via a good curriculum
- Pupils receive high quality pastoral support
- There is a strong safeguarding culture where pupils feel safe
Head of School Jon Skurr said: “To receive a good judgement is testament to the significant efforts that pupils, staff and governors have put in. The transformation of this school into a hub of positive learning is something that we are very proud of as an organisation. The pupils, staff and governors all firmly believe that we can be an outstanding school and the whole team is committed to making this happen.
“I would like to thank everybody who has played their part in promoting and supporting the academy, particularly our sponsors at the University of Bradford and our partner school Carlton Bolling who, with the Carlton Academy Trust, have helped transform our school.”
Adrian Kneeshaw, CEO of Carlton Academy Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Ofsted have recognised the considerable transformation of University Academy Keighley. This has been driven by the staff and students at the academy in collaboration with the Carlton Academy Trust. By utilising the systems and structures from our partner Carlton Bolling, we have been able to oversee a rapid improvement in standards and expectations at University Academy Keighley. The future is very exciting, as this is only the start of our journey.”
Joanne Marshall, Director of People and Campus Services at the University of Bradford, said: “The University of Bradford as a sponsor to the Academy and myself, as the previous Chair of Governors, are very proud of all the hard work and dedication that has gone into achieving this result. The Academy has undergone significant transformations since 2017 and it is due to a large team of people, their perseverance and tenacity to achieve this fantastic result for the school and the local community. It has been a real team effort from the University, from Carlton Bolling, with whom we have worked in partnership, from all the staff, pupils and the governing body, who have contributed to this result.”