FIGHTING off a school’s bad reputation can be hard to do for a new headteacher.

Jon Skurr has done that and some at University Academy Keighley meaning he edges this award over Co-op Academy Beckfield’s Richard Ireland and Oxenhope’s Alice Jones.

Speaking to the T&A immediately after the announcement, he said: “It feels surreal and a bit strange because you are taking awards really on behalf of a fantastic team.

“It is just nice for the school to be recognised. In the past, the school has not been for the right reasons, it is great to change that and the future of so many of our young people.

“I have never come across a school with such a negative legacy in the past so to change those viewpoints and show people how wonderful our academy is, it makes me proud.

“It is a nice reflection to get this award for our achievements over the last year or so.”

What is the secret behind their success then?

“We have high standards and expectations. It is about establishing a culture where the students feel comfortable to learn.

“We genuinely have an amazing group of staff who work so hard for our young people.

“Your job as a head in a secondary school is to give the team what they need to improve and develop and support them to do that.

“Most of my team are way more talented than me, I just have to hold on to their coat-tails and keep up with their development.”

Jon and his staff have carried these beliefs throughout Covid too.

“We have prioritised looking out for the wellbeing of everyone. If people feel safe and secure, they can achieve huge things.

“We have still made great progress during these challenging times. We have aspirations of making this school something special for its community for the foreseeable future.

“We are never satisfied in the school improvement.”