Burley-in-Wharfedale's two Church of England schools received sweet and sour news this week.

While parents, staff and pupils at Burley C of E First School appear to have seen their hopes of church status dashed, everyone connected with Burley and Woodhead C of E First School is celebrating a glowing Ofsted report.

Those associated with the Aireville Terrace-based school are pondering their next move following the church's decision not to continue backing its bid to retain C of E Status.

But Gary Shipley, chairman of the Burley C of E First School PTA, has vowed not to throw in the towel in just yet, despite the apparent setback.

One avenue open to the school is to appeal directly to Education secretary David Blunkett.

Mr Shipley said: "Despite an excellent campaign it is clear this school has been sacrificed as part of a wider strategic plan to reorganise church-based education across the Bradford district."

"Careful consideration of the detailed proposals for change within Burley are now being examined by everyone associated with the school as they affect our children and staff," he said.

He said discussions would continue with all parties involved to address parents genuine concerns.

The final solution must preserve the unique qualities of the school, said Mr Shipley. Not all the parents have adopted Mr Shipley's diplomatic approach.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, said the review team did not care about the school and had laughed off parents' concerns.

This followed a meeting at the school last Wednesday where review team leader, Councillor Susanne Rooney, put forward Bradford Council's reasons for not granting church status. Coun Rooney said the council had to provide secular and non-secular options for parents.

At Burley and Woodhead, guaranteed its church status under the school review, there is cause for celebration this week.

Ofsted inspectors said they had assessed a good school, effectively led with a very good ethos.

The inspectors found standards in Mathematics, English and Science were consistently above the national average; the school boasted pupils with a positive approach to work, good behaviour and excellent attendance.

The report also noted high quality teaching across all classes. It is not only the lessons which found favour with the inspection team.

'The school makes good provision for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils and this has a positive effect on pupils' attainment, progress and personal development,' claims the report.

'The quality of leadership of the school is good and has a positive impact on standards and quality of education. The head teacher has a clear vision for the school, shared by the governors and all the staff.'

In a joint statement, the governors and staff expressed their pleasure at the findings.

"Staff and governors are naturally delighted by the report which they feel gives a fair and accurate picture of a thriving school."

The only area highlighted for improvement is that of Information Technology. The inspectors wanted to see staff expertise develop.

The governors and staff at the school are now working on an action plan to address the issue.

Under the Bradford Schools review, Burley Woodhead will become a C of E Primary School.

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