A SHIPLEY school that teaches children with anxiety and mental health issues has been praised for its rapid improvement.

Tracks Pupil Referral Unit, on Owlet Road, was judged “inadequate” by Ofsted inspectors in 2016 following a highly critical inspection.

It was a huge fall from grace for the school, which had been judged “outstanding” in an inspection in 2010.

But after its most recent inspection, Ofsted has hailed the work being done at Tracks, saying staff have “a very clear vision for the future of the school.”

A report released yesterday upgrades the school to a “good” rating.

The school currently has 26 pupils on its roll, who usually start in Year 10. A new executive head was appointed 19 months ago with a view to turning the school around, and a new head appointed a year ago.

A management committee, described as “dynamic” by inspectors, has been in place since July.

The report says: “The head of school and the executive headteacher have a very clear vision for the future of the school. “Since the last inspection leaders have introduced a wide range of systems and checks. These have brought about rapid improvement in the quality of teaching, learning and outcomes for pupils.

“A new management committee has been appointed very recently. Its members have lost no time in starting to familiarise themselves with the school.

“Pupils say they feel safe.

“Pupils often start at the school with levels of knowledge and skills below those of their peers nationally. Most leave having reached nationally expected standards.”

The 2016 inspection had said: “The complacency and inaction of leaders and the management committee has led to a marked decline in the standard of education.”

Bradford Council says changes at the school since that Inadequate rating include a remodelled provision to more closely meet the needs of the students, new systems and procedures to bring out the best of staff and setting up a partnership with another Bradford Local Authority school, rated ‘Outstanding’, to share expertise.

Adrian Kneeshaw, Executive Head Teacher, said: “I am very pleased with the Ofsted report, which is vindication for all the hard work and dedication of both staff and students.”

Hannah Whittaker, Head of the school, said: “I am passionate about ensuring that all pupils with any health issues are given exactly the same care, education, opportunities and aspirations as other pupils in Bradford and we are looking towards improving even further and at how we can give this provision to more pupils across our district.

“The support of Bradford Council has been outstanding through the Local Area Achievement Officer, Jayne Done.”

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “This is a fantastic achievement by TRACKS and proves that with the right people in place providing direction, energy and aspiration, great things can be achieved. They are passionate about providing the very best education for young people who have encountered difficulties in their lives. Hannah, Adrian and their staff must be commended for the great strides they have made and I know that they are aiming even higher with an ‘Outstanding’ rating in their sights.”