Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College Academy rated Inadequate

A newly-published Ofsted report said Buttershaw Business & Enterprise College Academy (BBEC), on Reevy Road West, is 'Inadequate'.

The watchdog inspected the school, which caters for 1,455 pupils, on February 7 and 8, with inspectors raising issues such as 'derogatory language and swearing' from some pupils. 

In all but one of the four categories, BBEC received the worst rating, with the exception being 'personal development' in which it was graded 'Requires Improvement'.

In light of the report, Andrew Taylor, appointed headteacher in September 2022, says he is committed to driving improvements and providing high-quality education for pupils.

The secondary school caters for almost 1,500 pupils (Image: Newsquest)

The report said: "Pupils do not make the progress that they are capable of because learning is often disrupted by poor behaviour."

Inspectors saw "many examples of pupils showing a lack of respect for staff and each other".

There are also a "significant minority of pupils who use derogatory language and swearing".

They say this is because leaders "have not created a culture where respectful behaviour is expected".

The report added: "Some pupils do not enjoy their lessons due to the negative attitude, poor manners and inappropriate language of other pupils".

It says "too many lessons are disrupted by pupils who do not behave well. This means that lessons do not always reach the intended endpoint, so pupils learn less than they should".

In response to the behavioural issues, the academy said: “While we recognise and were disappointed to see a small number of pupils not live up to our high standards of behaviour during the inspection, we feel this was not representative of everyday life at the academy.

"Many of our pupils behaved exceptionally throughout the inspection and do so on a daily basis.

“We, like many schools, are working closely with our families to improve attendance and behaviour, both of which were significantly impacted by the pandemic.

"Following the introduction of our new behaviour policy in November, we have already seen substantial improvements, with increased attendance, reduced suspensions and lateness to lessons decreasing by more than 50 per cent.”

Inspectors did state that “staff and pupils have confidence in the new headteacher” and the actions being taken “are starting to have an impact.”

The academy said it was also pleased to see aspects of its provision praised.

This includes effective safeguarding where the academy was applauded for its high-quality staff training, strong safeguarding team, effective external relationships and vigilant governance.

The other concern that inspectors raised was the standard of provision for some SEND pupils within the school’s internal and external local authority alternative provisions with claims of narrowed timetables.

Leaders say they are "disappointed" to see this judgement and have gone above and beyond, not only supporting the increasing number of students with additional needs in the community but also working closely with the local authority and even setting up their own provision to support as many pupils as possible.

Andrew Taylor, Headteacher at BBEC, said: “In my new role as Headteacher, I am absolutely dedicated to securing long-term improvements for our community.

"While we are of course disappointed with our overall rating, I am pleased to see that the improvement strategies we have implemented were recognised as starting to have an impact.

“The quality of education and keeping our children safe are at the heart of all we do, and we will continue to advance the positive changes we are making.

"Working with experts across the Trust and the dedicated teachers, associate staff and leaders within the academy, we strive to be the best possible school and know that by us all working together, amidst many national challenges, we can realise this.”

Carol Dewhurst, CEO of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added: “It is disappointing to receive this OFSTED rating as the school has worked so hard to drive forward improvements and deliver quality education day in and day out during and since the pandemic.

“However, it is positive that the measures introduced by Andrew and his team are already taking seed and beginning to create positive change for our whole school community.

“I have every confidence in Andrew and his team, and we will continue to work closely with BBEC to ensure rapid improvements are secured."