THE CEO of an academy trust is confident an ‘inadequate’ school under its banner can go from “strength to strength” after a monitoring inspection from Ofsted.

Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College (BBEC), on Reevy Road West, was visited by the education watchdog on July 9 this year.

It was graded ‘inadequate’ following its last full inspection on February 7, 2023, when single-word headlines were used by Ofsted. This was replaced this academic term by a new system.

The school – which caters for almost 1,500 children aged between 11 and 16 – was found to have “serious weaknesses” and this latest monitoring visit was the second since that inspection after one took place in January.

The inspector found that progress has been made but more work is needed.

A report published last Tuesday said the trust running the school – the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT) - and those responsible for governance, have an “accurate understanding of the school’s current position”.

It added: “It makes suitable checks to assure itself that necessary improvements, such as in attendance and curriculum design, are being realised.

“It supplements its understanding by engaging external experts to provide further support and scrutiny of its work.

“Consequently, leaders know where further improvements are still needed and take steps to bring these about.”

The school has continued to make adjustments to the roles and responsibilities of staff, with new appointments in science and design and technology.

But at the time of the monitoring inspection there remained some vacancies that had not been filled for September.

Subject curriculums are now more clearly set out, and while they are at different stages of the review process, pupils now learn important knowledge in a more logical sequence and expectations of the national curriculum are covered.

Another main focus of the monitoring visit was pupils’ behaviour and attendance.

The report said: “Sanctions, such as suspensions for poor behaviour, remain too high.

“However, there are early indications of improvement.”

Suspensions in recent terms have been reduced though and lessons now go ahead “without significant disruption”.

The report said: “Pupils explained to me that they perceive behaviour in school to be improving.”

Rates of absence continue to be higher than other schools locally and nationally, but attendance is improving.

There has been a reduction in the number of disadvantaged students being persistently off school, as well as those turning up late.

The report said: “You realise that this is an important first step to pupils receiving a strong education.”

Andrew Taylor was appointed as headteacher at BBEC in September 2022 and was tasked with leading the school through its improvement journey, having joined from an “outstanding” school in Threshfield.

He said: “I am pleased that our hard work and determination to make whole school improvements have been recognised and our proactive strategies are ensuring positive change as we remain committed to placing our students' needs and education at the heart of all we do.

“However, we are not complacent and whilst this report is a positive stepping stone for us, we are dedicated to building on these improvements even further to ensure we provide the best possible education for our young people.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our students, staff, families and the Trust as we all work together to achieve this.”

Carol Dewhurst, CEO of BDAT, said: "We are pleased that the changes and improvements at Buttershaw have been recognised, particularly regarding attendance, behaviour, and the curriculum.

“We now enter the new school year ready to double down on these positive steps to maximise and accelerate further improvements for the school community.

“I am confident that Buttershaw will continue to go from strength to strength.”