A KEIGHLEY school has been told by Government inspectors that it “requires improvement”.

Ofsted says Holy Family Catholic School has some strengths.

But the inspection team warns that more needs to be done to get the Spring Gardens Lane school on track.

Inspectors – who visited the 900-plus-pupil school last month – said the quality of teaching, learning and assessment was inconsistent.

“Poor behaviour and engagement” in lessons was affecting boys’ progress.

Leadership in relation to behaviour, attendance and pupils’ personal development was weak.

And attendance levels were below the national average.

But the Ofsted report ­­– just published – praises the school’s provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, as “first class”.

Inspectors say collaboration with local schools has improved the curriculum and strengthened governance, girls are making good progress in some subjects – particularly English – there are examples of high-quality teaching, and sixth-form students studying vocational subjects make good progress.

Holy Family headteacher, Martin Hings, said there were many positives in the report and that the school would continue to work on areas identified as requiring improvement.

He described the students as “wonderful ambassadors” who deserved the highest praise.

“The inspectors were able to see high-quality teaching and improved collaboration and sharing of practice from within the school and with other schools,” said Mr Hings.

“Girls in particular are making good progress – especially in English – and the description of our specialist provision for pupils with special needs as ‘first class’ was particularly pleasing following our last inspection in 2017.

“Ofsted acknowledged that results in the school are improving – although not for all groups, particularly boys and disadvantaged students. Greater consistency in teaching will reap an even higher performance. Governance has also improved.”

Mr Hings said the inspectors had given some pointers for improvement.

He said the school was looking forward to implementing changes to its personal, social, health education programme, and enhancing the sex and relationships education programme.

He added: “We would like to thank all our parents who completed an Ofsted questionnaire expressing their support and pride in the school.”