ONE of Bradford’s biggest schools continues to take “effective” actions to pull itself out of special measures, according to Ofsted inspectors.

Grange Technology College, which has around 1,800 pupils, was judged inadequate and put in special measures in Summer 2016.

Since then, Ofsted has made numerous visits to the school to check on its progress in trying to turn itself around.

Inspectors were back last month, and have now written a letter to head Alison Mander to say that while the school still faces challenges, there is positive work being done to improve Grange.

The letter says: “Leaders and managers are taking effective action towards the removal of special measures.

“The school continues to be reliant on supply teachers to cover some unfilled vacancies and a high proportion of long-term absence due to ill health or maternity leave.

“Under the headteacher’s strategic guidance, the school is moving forwards despite the challenges in some areas of a lack of permanent staff.

“Pupils are responding to higher expectations of their behaviour due to the constant attention and focus of all staff.

“There is friendly and positive interaction between pupils and staff and very good relationships, characterised by much warmth and good humour. Pupils are aware of the higher expectations that the school has of them.

“Outcomes for sixth-form students and for Year 11 pupils showed modest improvement in 2017 but also showed that much remains to be done to tackle the legacy of underachievement that remains in the school.”

Miss Mander, who was appointed permanently in December 2017 said: “This report is very encouraging for the school as it demonstrates our progress against the areas for improvement set by Ofsted, which are at the centre of our strategic plan.

“It is the result of the hard work and dedication of our staff and pupils, who as the report confirms, are working together to make bring about the changes needed to make Grange a school our local community can be proud of.

“Ever since I have been at Grange, I have been learning about the school’s long history. The term ‘Granger’ is one which has come up repeatedly, with people from across the city and beyond, many of whom are now very successful holding fond memories of their time here. This is something we have adopted as part of our language to develop a sense of identity and the values the school teaches. We are all Grangers and we are in this together.

“We are under no illusions about the size of the task ahead. The process of recovery from where Grange was in June 2016 is not one which will happen overnight. To achieve this in the right way requires a long-term commitment. However, this report is further evidence that we remain on the right track. We are fully aware of what is needed to make further progress and I am confident we have the support and leadership structures in place to fulfil our commitment to the local community.”