Struggling school is making good progress say inspectors

Thornbury Primary in Bradford is starting to make headway following a recent visit by school inspectors.

The school receives regular visits since it went into special measures in July 2010.

Angus King handed in his notice from Thornbury’s top job after a monitoring visit found progress at the school since it was put in the Special Measures category last year was inadequate.

The school has now been told it is making satisfactory progress since it went into the Ofsted category and good progress since the previous monitoring visit on May 18 and 19.

The monitoring letter says the executive headteacher Tim Richards is: “successfully building an effective senior leadership team which is improving the schools’ provision and the outcomes for pupils.

“There is significantly stronger strategic leadership and direction from the senior leaders.”

The letter says this has led to an increase in the proportion of good lessons and adds: “The outcome is that pupils are making improved progress across the school.”

Mr Richards, who becomes the permanent headteacher at the school from January, said: “We are happy with the monitoring letter as it reflects clear progress made by the school and acknowledges that there have already been improved outcomes for children.

“Teamwork is important to us and everyone involved in bringing about the developments reflected in the report deserve our thanks.

“There is a still a lot to do, but we are working together on making Thornbury Primary a better place for children to learn. All pupils, staff and education support staff have worked tremendously hard to bring about this improvement.”

Coun Ralph Berry, executive member for children and young people’s services at Bradford Council, said: “This is excellent news for Thornbury Primary.

“We know there is still much work to do, but we congratulate everyone involved in bringing about this improvement.” The letter also praises the Interim Executive Board for improving the ways it challenges the school to bring about further improvements.”