A SECONDARY school in Keighley has been judged "inadequate" by inspectors, just a few weeks before it is taken over by a new academy chain.

University Academy Keighley was visited by Ofsted in April, and the inspectors' report has just been released.

The school is judged "inadequate" for the outcomes of its pupils and to "require improvement" in every other category. The overall rating for the school is inadequate.

The academy, which has more than 700 pupils and is sponsored by the University of Bradford, will be taken over by the Wakefield City Academies Trust early next month.

When it was last inspected in 2014, the schools was judged to require improvement.

The latest Ofsted report says: "Too few pupils, given their starting points, make the progress they should, especially in mathematics and science.

"The school's overall performance has declined since the last inspection and leaders did not act promptly enough to improve achievement.

"The progress made by pupils in mathematics has been well below the national average for some time. Pupils underachieve considerably in science."

It calls for the school to "urgently improve the progress of all pupils and raise attainment."

However, inspectors do say the school has taken "decisive action" to strengthen leadership in the past year, that sixth form achievement is improving and that the principal has a "clear and ambitious vision for the school's rapid and successful improvement."

It also says the school, on Green Head Road, Utley, is "fully aware" of its weaknesses, and adds: "Care and support for pupils are strengths of the school. Leaders have developed a culture of tolerance and respect that is valued by pupils.

"Pupils say they feel safe, and they are safe."

Before the school converted to an academy in 2010, it was known as Greenhead High School. Referring to the school's make up, the report points out that proportions of pupils from ethnic minorities, and those who do not speak English as their first language, are "very high."

A statement from the school said: "The findings of this inspection included the recognition of the recent developments and strengths of the academy, which include the improved systems to monitor the quality of teaching such as the rapid improvement in English and the tracking of student progress, introduction of Google Chrome books and positive student attitudes towards learning.

"The conclusion of the inspection was that although the Academy still requires significant improvements and this will be achieved through an OFSTED approved action plan.

"Ofsted inspectors said the new principal, Bernie Addison, has a clear ambitious vision and has already taken effective steps to get the school on track."

Mrs Addison, who started her role as principle on the first day of the inspection, added: "We are looking forward to working with our governors and new sponsor to drive forward rapid academy improvements and in helping us to make sure all our students achieve their potential."

She told the Telegraph & Argus that poor results in last summer's GCSE exams had contributed to the inadequate rating, but that students were predicted to do better in this summer's results.

The school is expected to be re-named Keighley Academy when WCAT takes over.