A school has been rated ‘good’ by Government inspectors just over three years after becoming an academy.

Worth Valley Primary, at Bracken Bank, Keighley, has received glowing praise from Ofsted for the quality of the education it provides to its 245 pupils.

At its last inspection, prior to becoming part of the Leading Learners Multi-Academy Trust, the school had been told it required improvement.

Headteacher Ceinwen Lodge said she “could not be prouder” of the staff and pupils following publication of the latest report, which grades the school as ‘good’ across all categories as well as overall.

“Their hard work and commitment – together with their relentless drive for success – makes Worth Valley Primary a very special place to be,” she added.

“When reading through the report, the line that resonates most with me is the inspectors’ statement that the school is best summed up by the comment of one pupil, who said ‘at Worth Valley we are one big team’.

“This is what we strive for here – and it is fantastic to see that this has been recognised by Ofsted.”

Inspectors visited the school, in Bracken Bank Crescent, over two days.

They described it as “warm, friendly and welcoming”.

Miss Lodge was praised for her determination to ensure pupils did as well as they could and for sharing her high aspirations for the children with all staff.

She had introduced a new curriculum which “raised the bar” for teachers and pupils – and everyone was responding to the challenge, said the inspection team.

The children’s behaviour was good, and described as a strength of the school. They felt safe and learned about tolerance and respect for others.

Teachers have strong subject knowledge and as a result teach with confidence and skill.

The teaching of reading is a priority, and pupils told inspectors how much they enjoyed reading.

Ofsted says youngsters with special educational needs and/or disabilities feel “very supported”, and that their needs are well met most of the time.

Inspectors add that the school is well led and managed and that staff feel “overwhelmingly proud” to work there.

Governors are said to have a clear understanding of the school’s strengths and where work is still required.

Early years foundation stage provision is described as good. Reading is taught from the start, and there are plenty of play-based activities which staff use to encourage use of language.

There is a “strong culture” of safeguarding at the school, with effective arrangements in place.

Ofsted says school leaders have “worked very hard” to improve pupil attendance rates, and that “all necessary action” should be taken to maintain the improvement.

Yvonne Brown, chief executive officer of the Leading Learners Multi-Academy Trust, congratulated the school team on the grading.

She said: “From the leadership team, governors and teachers to all of the pupils, parents and the wider community, this is a great testament to the improvement journey this school has been on in recent years.

“I have seen first-hand how hard everyone in the school works and it is wonderful to receive validation for what we already believed – that Worth Valley is a place where every pupil can have a happy and successful education and achieve their personal best.”

District councillor Adrian Farley, whose Keighley West ward includes the school, described the Ofsted rating as “a great achievement”.

He added: “It is an achievement for the school – all the children, staff and everybody involved – and I pay tribute to all those who have helped secure this very positive outcome.

“It’s great news.”