Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

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Bowling Park Primary

BOWLING Park Primary School in West Bowling has been shortlisted after receiving national recognition for its improvement.
The school was featured in the 2016/17 ‘review’ – a release that showcases best practice across a number of different sectors, including finance, environment and education. The work of Bowling Park Primary is highlighted alongside a small number of other schools in a section dedicated to primary education in Yorkshire.
The school began life as two different schools – Usher Street Primary School, which had been a failing school for longer than any other and was labelled as one of the worst in the country, and its earlier incarnation of Bowling Park Primary School, which struggled with low attendance, achievement and staff morale.
The school was nominated for this award by chair of governors Paul Johnson, who said: “From 2008 to the present day the narrative of the school is one of continuous sustained improvement, having a positive impact on the lives of children from some of the Bradford district’s most disadvantaged communities.
“Successive Ofsted reports in 2013 and 2017 have judged the school as providing a good quality of education.
“Parents are highly supportive of the school.”

Carlton Bolling School

THE past year has seen Carlton Bolling school, which has been shortlisted for the School Improvement Award, complete its incredible turnaround.
Just over two years ago the school was in special measures after a damning Ofsted report that cited safeguarding concerns. Late last year it was judged Outstanding by inspectors – making it one of the best schools in the district.
The Ofsted report said: “All staff and pupils share the headteacher’s highly aspirational vision for the school. They are absolutely committed to being successful and working as one community to achieve their ambitions.
“Pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning are exemplary. Pupils want to come to school and want to learn, and they work hard to achieve all of which they are capable.”
It also praised principal Adrian Kneeshaw’s “highly aspirational vision”.
The school also achieved some of the best Progress 8 scores in Bradford in last summer’s exams.
Pupils recently moved into a new building, on the same site, and the school has opened a boxing gym and cricket academy, as well as seeing its girls’ cricket team make national headlines and achieve success at tournaments across the country.

Parkwood Primary School

PARKWOOD Primary School in Keighley has been shortlisted for this award for the “high quality education” it provides to its pupils.
The school was self-nominated by head Richard Ballantine, who said: “Parkwood had a change in leadership in 2015, followed by the drive to academise. 
“This of course has been followed by a very uncertain political time, that has impacted on education very broadly. Despite all of this the whole Parkwood team, and it is very definitely a team, has continued to build as a strong school.
“Putting Parkwood forward as a team for this award is much easier, many of the other awards recognise individuals, which does not necessarily recognise the huge aspect of team that is vital in any strong school. 
“For the past two years we have had combined reading, writing and maths outcomes above the Bradford averages and this year we improved by 17 per cent and were six per cent above national. We are tireless in providing excellent educational experiences for our children, coupled with developing as people with good physical and mental health. Features of this include vibrant trips and experiences, talks, enrichment opportunities, a passion for cycling, outdoor learning and a highly motivated and skilled teaching and learning team.”