By Sean Gannon
A Leeds school is to close tomorrow for staff training following a highly critical Ofsted report.
Following an inspection Leeds West Academy was told that it ‘requires improvement’ in every area, including leadership and quality of its teaching.
Leeds West Academy on Intake Lane. Pic: Stephen Craven
The education watchdog said that pupils had not made consistently good progress and that, in the past, management had been slow to tackle poor teaching.
Among its criticisms, the report said: “Pupils do not show consistently positive attitudes to learning. They have too few opportunities to develop their thinking, apply their learning and to engage in lessons.”
However, the report wasn’t completely negative, as it did highlight some positive aspects of the academy, adding: “Following the appointment of the executive principal and new senior leaders, there is a much stronger drive towards school improvement.”
The training day comes as a response to Ofsted’s findings and will reportedly focus on addressing the concerns raised.
Despite the criticism, the school’s senior staff remain optimistic and have expressed confidence that the academy will become an outstanding school by 2020.
The school’s acting principal, Ben Wheeler, said: “The inspection report highlights areas for development and improvement which the academy is aware of and fully addressing.
“It also details fields where the academy is performing well and it is pleasing that these areas have been praised.”
In a statement to parents announcing the training day, Mr Wheeler added: “I apologise for any inconvenience that this training day may cause, but hope that you understand the importance of responding to feedback from Ofsted in order to ensure the best education for your child.
“Thank you for your continuing support.”