Grange Technology College, Bradford's biggest school, has been rated as inadequate and placed in special measures with immediate effect.
Inspectors had previously rated the school as Good but following an inspection back in May today it was announced that the school had significant shortcomings in the leadership.
Inspectors found that pupils’ progress has declined, achievement in mathematics across all key stages, including the sixth form, is especially poor, many teachers have not acquired the basic teaching skills to secure adequate progress for pupils.
The secondary mainstream school has 1,800 pupils, aged 11-18, and 300 staff.
Four of the five Ofsted categories were graded inadequate.
Today’s report also highlights that pupil’s behaviour requires improvement with minor disruptions in too many lessons.
Attendance is low and persistent absence is high at the school which became an academy back in 2013. Governors and trustees give too much credence to leaders’ excuses for weak progress.
Dominic Wall, Chief Executive of The Southfield Grange Trust which oversees the running of the school said:
“This is a very hard report to read and we are very sorry the school has not been supporting students well enough for them to make the best progress in their learning and personal development. We can do better and with the help of the community we will do better.”
“The report highlights a number of weaknesses which we are working to address as quickly and effectively as possible.”
“Clearly this is a very difficult situation for the school and we understand the size of task ahead of us to put Grange back where it belongs. Work is already being done to address the issues and we have been accessing external support from Guiseley School and Oldham College to support this aim.”
“Our school improvement plan reflects the work required to improve rapidly and we are working closely with the authorities (Ofsted & DFE) to ensure we share the same expectations.”
“Grange students are a fantastic group of youngsters with enormous potential and also many, many teachers at Grange work incredibly hard for the children and only want the best for them. It is now my job to make sure the school improves quickly. “
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