A SECONDARY school in Bradford has been branded inadequate in most areas by Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Queensbury Academy was branded inadequate by Ofsted, with inspectors citing poor attainment, inconsistent teaching and bad attendance and behaviour among the reasons.

This was the first inspection since Feversham Education Trust took over the school, which was last rated ‘requires improvement’ before the academy trust took over.

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Principal Richard Hanson said staff at the school are “fully committed” to improving the school and helping students fulfil their potential.

In the report, it said: “Although some improvements are now being made, the impact of leaders’ actions over time has been too slow to materialise.

“The progress of pupils in most subjects by the end of Year 11 has been poor.

“The quality of teaching, learning and assessment across all year groups is too variable.

“Teachers’ expectations of what pupils can do and what they can achieve as a result are not high enough.

“A small minority of pupils are not as engaged in their learning as they should be. Their low-level disruption limits their progress and that of other pupils.

“Although the overall quality of teaching is beginning to improve because of leaders’ actions, this is relatively recent and has not had the necessary impact on pupils’ progress.

“Those pupils who are disadvantaged and those with special educational needs or disabilities do not make the progress other pupils do who have similar starting points.

“Over time, the attendance of pupils has not improved. A significant number of pupils are missing school regularly.

“In addition, too many pupils, including those who are disadvantaged, are not punctual to school or lessons.

“Governors do not have a full understanding of the impact of the additional funding the school receives for disadvantaged pupils.”

Areas where Ofsted said the school is performing well included programmes to improve behaviour starting to have an impact, “effective” work taking place to improve leadership, and the new principal Richard Hanson was commended for introducing new structures to improve the school at a faster rate.

Ofsted has given the school a long list of areas it needs to improve to the school from an inadequate rating.

Richard Hanson, principal at Queensbury Academy, said: “We are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the progress being made at the academy.

“It is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and senior leadership team.

“At Queensbury, we are fully committed to ensuring each of our students achieve their full potential and continuously strive for educational excellence.

“We will continue to work hard in order to further build on the improvements outlined in the report and will ensure that we are able to deliver the very best opportunities for all of our students.”