PUPILS and staff at a Bradford school hit by a tragedy last year are celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Ofsted.

The report highlights the journey of improvement that Beckfoot Thornton School, on Leaventhorpe Lane, has been on, being graded as ‘Good’ in all areas following an inspection on September 13 and 14.

The report reflects the significant improvements made in multiple areas across the school in recent years, including in curriculum.

It highlights “high academic aspirations for all pupils” and recognised the school’s “mantra of no child left behind is evident in the day-to-day experience of pupils”.

The school was left in shock following the tragic death of headteacher Jeremy Richardson last year, and Ofsted inspectors were keen to highlight the school's efforts to remember those who had made an impact.

"The school is proud of the legacy left by others," said the inspectors. "It has recently opened a memorial garden where pupils and staff can reflect on the significant contribution others have made to the school and to themselves."

The inspector’s report highlighted many important aspects of life at Beckfoot Thornton, with key insights including:

• The quality of education, which was praised; “The school has developed a well-sequenced curriculum that helps pupils to experience a high-quality education”.

• The curriculum is well planned to ensure both “comprehensive coverage” and “opportunities to explore wider concepts”.

• The teaching of reading was praised, with teachers ensuring pupils have “access to a broad range of ambitious texts”.

• There is “high ambition” for pupils with SEND and some “study a bespoke curriculum that is very well suited to their needs.”

• Pupils’ behaviour was deemed as “impressive” and the inspectors recognised their “pride in their school”.

The report also noted the school needed to make improvements in the implementation of its careers programme, variation in support provided to SEND pupils and securing better rates of attendance for disadvantaged pupils.

Sally Trusselle, headteacher at Beckfoot Thornton, said: “We are incredibly proud of the whole Beckfoot Thornton community.

"The report is testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of students and staff, both past and present.

"The more detailed verbal feedback highlighted the impact of the work completed since our last report in 2019; there is certainly a lot to celebrate.

"We are ambitious about our future and our areas for improvement match those already identified on our School Improvement Plan.”

Shirley Watson, CEO of Beckfoot Trust, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted agreed with our self-evaluation that Beckfoot Thornton is a good school. Thornton is already a school of choice for the community and this report will give them greater confidence in the quality of education provided.”