A Bradford head teacher has resigned from a failing primary school, where not enough progress has been made to turn it around.

Angus King handed in his notice from Thornbury Primary School’s top job after a monitoring visit found progress at the school since it was put in the Special Measures category last year was inadequate.

Yesterday, a second follow-up inspection report was published by education watchdog Ofsted, after the last monitoring inspection in January.

The report says that overall, progress is still inadequate although the rate of improvement is quickly accelerating this term as the stability of staffing improves and the impact of stronger leadership on the quality of teaching gains momentum.

Since last year’s damning verdict, the school has been told to address four areas of failure: to raise attainment and accelerate pupils’ progress in learning in Key Stages 1 and 2, and in all subjects; improve the effectiveness of senior leaders; enable middle- managers to be more effective in tackling underachievement, and ensure that the governing body holds the school to account more fully for the quality of provision and outcomes for pupils.

The second monitoring visit report, following an inspection on May 18, says there have been significant levels of staff absence since January. Many temporary supply staff have been working at the school, with frequent daily changes to this provision.

A new executive head teacher, Tim Richards, was appointed on a full-time basis at the start of May and will lead the school temporarily until at least the end of 2011.

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