A PRIMARY school has been rated ‘inadequate’ by Government inspectors and placed in special measures.

Ofsted said too many pupils at Oldfield Primary were underachieving.

Youngsters did not make the progress they should in reading, writing and mathematics because teaching of the subjects was “weak”, inspectors added.

A report just published by Ofsted, following the inspection in June, also criticises the leadership – including governance – as inadequate.

Chairman of the governors, Mark Curtis, has stood down following the release of the damning document.

And an executive headteacher has been appointed.

“I felt that stepping down was the best way to progress,” said Mr Curtis.

He had been on the governing body for around 20 years and was involved in a campaign to save the school – which has under 60 pupils – in the late 1990s, when it was threatened with closure.

It had originally been earmarked to shut under Bradford’s schools reorganisation, when a review team said it was disproportionately expensive to keep it open.

But the then Education Secretary David Blunkett stepped in and rejected the proposal, on the grounds its loss would damage the community.

“A clean break is needed to ensure a speedy moving forward for the school,” added Mr Curtis.

“As chairman I felt it needed a fresh start.

“It is a small school, which does offer something different and wonderful opportunities for children.”

Strengths highlighted in the report include the teaching of music and physical education, the provision of extra-curricular activities and the “effective” teaching of phonics and basic reading skills in early years and year one.

It describes the school’s assessment of pupil progress as “accurate and reliable” and says the children are polite and courteous and show respect to others.

Bradford Council said this week that immediate action had been taken in the wake of the report.

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “Obviously the whole school community was disappointed with the Ofsted judgement.

“Governors and the council have taken rapid steps to strengthen leadership at the school, with the appointment of an executive head and access to specialist leaders of education through the Ingrow and Long Lee Federation.”

Angela Vinnicombe, the executive head, said: “Our team has been working with the school since mid-September and changes have quickly been implemented in all areas of learning.

“Staff, parents and pupils have been involved in this process and have been fully supportive of any changes. I can honestly say that it is a privilege to be asked to work alongside the fabulous community at Oldfield.”