A BRADFORD secondary school has been rated ‘requires improvement’ by Ofsted after its recent inspection.

One In A Million Free School on Cliffe Terrace, near Valley Parade, was visited by the education watchdog on June 13 and 14 this year and was deemed to have fallen from its previous ‘good’ rating.

The quality of education at the school, as well as leadership and management, were marked as ‘requires improvement’, whilst behaviour and personal attitudes, both received ‘good’.

Ofsted inspectors highlighted the experience of students at this school as ‘mixed’ as ‘some pupils have gaps in their knowledge that have developed over time.’

The report states: “In some subjects, the curriculum is not fully embedded. This means that some pupils have gaps in their knowledge that have developed over time.

“Leaders are taking action to address this. However, the quality of education that pupils receive continues to be mixed.”

Leaders at the school have ‘high expectations' of pupils' behaviour and conduct, but this isn’t always the case as ‘the behaviour of some pupils is less positive when staffing is disrupted.’

Subjects in this school are taught at variable levels. In Spanish and Religious Education, the leadership has stayed consistent, staff know what information pupils need to retain and how to build on it.

In subjects such as food technology and history, the report says that ‘new leaders have started to improve the curriculum to address gaps in pupil knowledge.'

The report says: "However, across several subjects, there are significant gaps in pupils’ knowledge. In these subjects, the delivery of the curriculum is inconsistent."

Students’ behaviour at this school has improved with the introduction of a behaviour system, focusing on ‘clear and consistent’ routines.

The safeguarding arrangements in this school are ‘effective’ as staff are aware of students and their families to deliver timely support.

Areas of improvement, highlighted in the report, include making sure the curriculum is ‘designed and implemented appropriately to address gaps in knowledge and help pupils to remember important knowledge across all subjects.’

The report also states that pupils who are starting to learn to read are not adequately supported.

“Pupils at the early stages of reading do not get the support that they need. As a result, these pupils struggle to access parts of the curriculum. Leaders need to implement a coherent programme to support pupils at the early stages of reading to catch up quickly.”

Jane Hobbs, who was recently appointed principal, said: “Naturally, we are disappointed with the overall judgement, but recognise the work we need to do. 

"The areas identified in the Ofsted report as needing further development were identified in the School Improvement Plan and actions are being taken to ensure these improvements are embedded as quickly as possible.

"There are a number of positives to take from the report and as a school, we are pleased that inspectors found students are happy and feel safe at school and that staff are proud to work at One In A Million Free School.

"The post-pandemic period has been a challenging time for the school for many reasons, but particularly in terms of recruiting teaching staff.

"We have recently appointed several new curriculum leaders, who will be in post from September 2023 to ensure the curriculum is delivered consistently across the school so that students can achieve or exceed their potential.

"Furthermore, inspectors recognised that the school has 'high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and conduct' and 'pupils respond well to our behaviour systems and routines'.

"Behaviour and attitudes at One In A Million Free School were judged by inspectors as ‘good’. The report states 'leaders have implemented a behaviour system with an emphasis on clear and consistent routines. Pupils respond well to this approach', and 'bullying is rare. If it does take place it is dealt with effectively and efficiently'.

"Personal Development was also judged as ‘good’ by inspectors. The curriculum supports pupils’ wider personal development as 'pupils gain the knowledge they need to be ready for their next steps in education and beyond'.

"We are also pleased inspectors recognised that 'pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are supported well' and 'most staff feel that leaders are mindful of their workload and supportive of their wellbeing'.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to our shared values of compassion, honesty, integrity, and excellence.

"We would like to thank our parents/carers and governors, for their support towards the school.”

One In A Million Academy Trust said: “With its existing strengths, areas for improvement already being actioned, and a secure partnership in place with Woodhouse Grove School for our sports facilities, the Trust now feels there is a firm foundation to build the school we envisaged, which is ultimately to grow responsible citizens who enjoy and achieve in their education, and who exceed in life beyond our school."