A KEIGHLEY school assessed as being "inadequate" after a visit by inspectors one year ago is now judged to be on the road to recovery.

A monitoring visit by Ofsted inspectors to University Academy Keighley, (UAK) has concluded the school's leaders are taking effective action towards dealing with UAK's serious weaknesses designation.

The report also states that the school's improvement plan is "fit for purpose."

Bernie Addison, UAK's principal, said she was pleased with ongoing efforts to address weaknesses identified last year.

She added: "This is a team effort and I've been encouraged by all the support UAK has had from its sponsors, the University of Bradford and Bradford Council.

"Inspectors have recognised that pupils at UAK are now making better progress and they are confident that the leaders and governors of the academy can continue on this journey of rapid improvement."

Last spring, Ofsted said the school urgently needed to improve the progress of its pupils and raise attainment, especially in maths and science.

Inspectors said UAK also had to boost the quality of its teaching, learning and assessment and improve the effectiveness of leaders and governors.

But the latest assessment by Ofsted, published this month, (May) says the school's governors and other senior leaders are energetically tackling these issues.

It notes that monitoring and evaluation of teaching has been sharpened, while pupils with special educational needs or disabilities are benefitting from a more rigorous approach.

The assessment adds: "Arrangements to ensure checks on pupils’ progress are robust and reliable have been strengthened, and the school’s arrangements to keep pupils safe are effective.

"Current information shows that, overall, pupils are making better progress than was the case at the time of the last inspection.

"Leaders keep a sharp eye on pupils’ attendance and absence. They recognise that persistent absence slows their learning and increases their vulnerability.

"The school is effective in supporting and challenging pupils whose attendance is too low to come to school more regularly."

Ofsted points out that the school's leadership recognises that progress is not yet consistent enough, and that further gains are required.

UAK has responded that it is delighted with the outcome of the monitoring visit, saying that this news builds on the school being recently confirmed as one of the most improved schools in the region.

Mrs Addison said the report would reassure the local community that the school is doing all it can to offer high quality education.

She said: "It's an exciting time for UAK as we're working well with our sponsor, University of Bradford, to give local children opportunities to visit the university and take part in university led projects.

"Raising the aspirations of our pupils and widening their opportunities are key ingredients to our students’ academic success.

"Ofsted has recognised all the hard work that's taking place at UAK, and this report endorses our drive for excellence."