A SCHOOL in one of Bradford’s most deprived areas has continued its upward trajectory after being rated Good by Ofsted following a recent inspection.

The Good rating for Oasis Academy Lister Park, in Manningham, is an improvement on its requires improvement rating it received in 2016.

The previous year it was branded inadequate by Ofsted, and principal Ian Simpson said he is “exceptionally proud” of his school.

In the report, Ofsted praised the “rapid progress” the school had made under “strong leadership”.

It said: “During a period of considerable change, senior leaders have successfully recruited specialist teachers and subject leaders to drive forward these improvements.

“Staff communicate a shared ambition to raise pupils’ aspirations.

“Pupils’ personal development and welfare are of paramount importance. The school is a caring and thoughtful community in which pupils demonstrate compassion for others.

“Pupils’ behaviour is good. They work very well together, both in and out of lessons. They are polite and keen to improve their work.

“Pupils in all year groups, including disadvantaged pupils, make similar progress to others nationally, in a wide range of subjects.

“The trust provides well-targeted professional development for teachers and leaders. Therefore, teaching is now good overall.

“Governors and trustees are effective in holding leaders to account. They check all aspects of the school’s work stringently.

“Pupils who have special educational needs or disabilities are well supported, so their progress is improving.

“Pupils who receive additional teaching for speech and language development receive excellent support in lessons and through the specialist provision.

“Teaching is now good across most subjects. Most teachers plan learning activities effectively, but sometimes work is not challenging enough, particularly for the most able pupils.

“Students in the sixth form value the wealth of opportunities offered to them. They make very strong progress in vocational courses due to high-quality teaching.”

Inspectors added that “despite leaders’ best effort”, attendance is below average, but recognised “leaders are ambitious to continue to tackle this robustly.

They were also told teaching in science and geography needs to be improved.

Ian Simpson, principal, said: ““I am exceptionally proud of this report and would like to thank the students, staff, parents and members of the community who over the years have supported us on our continued journey to provide amazing education to the young people in our care.

“We are particularly pleased that inspectors praised the outcomes of our students, the opportunities we provide and support we offer through the rich curriculum.”

John Murphy, chief executive of Oasis Community Learning, added: “This amazing report is a credit to Principal Ian Simpson and his fantastic team of staff.

“It reflects the hard work and dedication that they all show on a daily basis. I am confident that Oasis Academy Lister Park will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Oasis Community Learning, founded in 2004, runs 52 academies across the UK.