THE entire governing body at a failing school in Birkenshaw has stood down during steps to bring it out of special measures.

BBG Academy, a school which was championed by the Conservatives ahead of the 2010 general election, was found to be failing at the end of 2014 after its first Ofsted inspection.

In 2015 as part of improvement measures the academy formally became part of the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust, and earlier this year this year bosses at the trust brought in an alternative governance structure.

As a result all nine governors, including chairman Sharon Light, and parent governors who were instrumental in helping set the school up in 2012, have departed in what is described as an "amicable resignation".

Brian Sheldrake, chairman of Rodillian confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that a new school improvement board made up of members of the RMAT board including himself, is now overseeing the governance of the school.

He added that a local advisory board would be formed with responsibility for teaching and learning as well as outcomes for pupils, but that the former governors had decided not be part of this new advisory committee role.

In a letter to parents Rodillian praised the previous governors for their "passion" and for "the time, dedication and commitment" to the academy and referred to the new arrangements as a "positive change".

Mr Sheldrake also added: "We are expecting to have another Ofsted inspection before Easter and do hope that they will bring the school out of special measures.

"That will speak volumes for the work that has been taking place at the school."

Since being placed in special measures in December 2014, the school, which is based at the site of the former Birkenshaw Middle School, has undergone three monitoring inspections.

The most recent was published in November last year and describes an improving picture where progress in English has improved and disadvantaged pupils are making more progress than their peers nationally in mathematics.

In addition pupils' behaviour and a positive discipline database also came in for praise.

The trust's support is credited for improvements in attendance and training for middle leaders at the school.

Ahead of the general election in 2010, then Conservative leader David Cameron joined a march and rally organised by the Birkenshaw, Birstall, and Gomersal Parent’s Alliance in support of their bid to keep a school open in the area during a shake-up of the middle school system.

After a lengthy campaign BBG Academy was formed as Birkenshaw Middle School converted to an academy, taking itself out of direct local authority control, and was then able to reopen as a secondary academy.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, portfolio holder for schools and learning at Kirklees Council said: "Over a year ago there were some concerns that were raised about the school and as a local authority we took these very seriously and offered to help them.

"The main thing for us is to make sure that the children at the school get the best education and outcomes possible."

He added that because the school was part of the Rodillian Multi Academy Trust, and out of direct local authority control, it was up to the trust as to how it moved forward.

As for the issue with the previous governors being replace with a temporary school improvement board, he added: " We are working with them and are fully supportive of them."