A BRADFORD primary school, which has never been graded good by Ofsted, has marked a new beginning with a new name and uniform.

Lister Primary School in Manningham joined Carlton Academy Trust in July 2020 when it was decided by the trust and school community to revamp the school and its educational ethos.

Carlton Mills, its new logo and new uniform were unveiled to special visitors, staff, children and families, at an official opening event earlier this month.

Claire McDonald, the new head of school, said: "From my first day here at Carlton Mills, I have been immensely impressed with our parents and carers, their passion for wanting the school to improve and the huge investment they hold in their children’s education.

"They could not have been more welcoming and their enthusiasm is infectious. There is still work to be to be done to promote this school to good. However, with such a hardworking and dynamic school team, our improvement journey is exciting."

Adrian Kneeshaw, Carlton Academy Trust’s chief executive officer, said: "This is a very exciting time for Carlton Academy Trust and Carlton Mills, the school has invested in the very best school leaders and specialised teachers, dispensed with unnecessary meetings and bureaucracy. This has ensured the improvement of staff morale and well-being.

"Claire is already proving to be an excellent asset for the school. She aspires to be the very best in everything and her experience in rapid school turn around will ensure improved attitudes to learning, attendance, engagement and ultimately student outcomes. Carlton Mills is set to achieve great things in the future."