A BRADFORD school criticised by inspectors over how it safeguarded its pupils is now doing a better job of "tackling controversial and sensitive issues" like protecting students from extremism, a new report says.

When Carlton Bolling College was visited by Ofsted in June, inspectors said the school's safeguarding policy "fails to give necessary attention to potential risks posed by extremism."

The report, in which the school on Undercliffe Lane was branded inadequate, also said: "Students do not have enough opportunities to understand how to recognise extremist views or what to do if they hear such views expressed."

But in a follow up visit last month, inspectors felt efforts were now being made to tackle these issues. The findings of this latest visit have just been revealed.

Inspector Michael Maddison wrote to head Adrian Kneeshaw saying: "The personal, social health and citizenship education programme covers all types of extremist behaviour and the school is tackling controversial and sensitive issues with all year groups.

"The intent to broaden students' knowledge and understanding of key issues is clear.

"Senior leaders are aware of the need for ongoing vigilance in relation to ensuring students are protected from the dangers posed by extremism."

Despite the improvements, the letter says that students were "disappointed that they do not necessarily study this theme in appropriate depth."

The report looked at last year's GCSE results, and although it says overall attainment was low, achievement in maths and science was high.

Attendance figures have fallen, and the number of students classed as "persistent absentees" has risen, with the report adding: "This is disappointing, and in part can be explained by the unsettled patterns of attendance of some students from Eastern European heritage who have recently joined the school."

It concludes by saying that despite improvements, the school has to "redouble its efforts in relation to improving attendance and communication with parents and its local community."

Mr Kneeshaw said: “It is pleasing that Ofsted has recognised our improvements across numerous areas.

“Ofsted also noted the high and improving achievement among our students from our initial GCSE data, especially in science, and in maths where we are outperforming national results.

“We recognise there is still lots more work to do, but we are relishing the opportunity to deliver these major improvements for our students."

Councillor Ralph Berry, Executive for Children's Services, said: "As a local authority, we have demonstrated that we take all the action we can to make sure our children and young people are given the best possible education and the highest chances of success.”

Michael Jameson, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said: “The improvement in the school’s provision of personal, moral, social and cultural education was especially crucial, as the safety and wellbeing of all our district’s pupils is our number one priority.”