Parkside School, Cullingworth, put into special measures

Parkside School is "failing to provide an acceptable standard of education" - according to education watchdog Ofsted.

Inspectors found low achievement, poor attendance and concerns about behaviour when they visited the secondary school, located at Parkside Terrace, on July 7 and 8.

Steve Tighe, Co-Principal, said it was the "most unusual inspection" with the principal absent from the school at the time and no students present on day two.

What does the report say?

Achievement and attendance were both judged to require urgent improvement in the report.

Pupils’ results in national tests and GCSE examinations were low and fell further in 2025. Disadvantaged pupils’ results also declined.

Inspectors found that too few pupils made suitable progress in English and mathematics.

Gaps in spelling, handwriting and basic arithmetic were not being addressed.

There were also gaps in subject knowledge, particularly in mathematics and science.

'Behaviour in corridors can be boisterous'

The report adds that attendance had fallen steadily over three years, with too many pupils persistently absent.

Leaders had tried several strategies, but inspectors said these had not been effective.

Behaviour was judged to require urgent improvement.

Many pupils were respectful and behaved well, but staff and pupils reported problems in corridors and lessons.

The report says staff did not apply the behaviour policy consistently, and some bullying was reported. However, the number of suspensions are falling.

The quality of teaching and the curriculum were judged to need attention.

Teaching was effective in some lessons, but inconsistent across the school.

The report adds that staffing changes disrupted learning, while teachers did not always identify gaps in pupils’ basic knowledge.

Some pupils could not recall learning about sex

On personal development, the report said: "An appropriate personal development programme in place. However, the impact of this programme is variable.

"Some pupils do not recall any learning relating to relationships and sex education.

"While most pupils know that good citizens are tolerant of the views of others, the behaviour of some pupils is not respectful. Some pupils report discriminatory language being used."

Trust providing additional leadership

The report said most pupils leaving the school had firm plans for the future, supported by the careers programme. A small number also accessed work experience.

Safeguarding standards were met. Inspectors said leaders had established an open culture in which concerns were identified, acted upon and managed.

The Wellspring Academy Trust has provided additional leadership capacity, and inspectors said recent support was having a positive impact.

However, trustees and the governing group must ensure improvements are rapid and lasting, the report adds.

How the school responded

In a letter sent out to parents, Steve Tighe, Co-Principal said: "Having been involved in many inspections over the years, this was a most unusual inspection as it went ahead in spite of the fact that the Principal was absent from school and that for day two of the inspection there were no students in the building.

'Clearly, we are all very disappointed'

The letter adds: "Clearly, we are all very disappointed with the report and the speed of improvement at Parkside School over the past three years.

"Current leaders (who are recognised positively in the report) will continue to work hard to improve school with a clear focus on the areas for improvement that have been identified.

"Following this inspection, there are a number of outcomes for the school and the trust.

"At present, Wellspring Academy Trust is now actively working with the Department for Education to decide what is the best long-term pathway for Parkside going forward.

"At present we do not have any further details from the DFE to share as it is too early for any definite decisions, but as soon as we have information to share, we will update you.

"In the meantime, myself and Ms Scott will continue to work hard to move the school forward regardless.

"We have some clear improvement plans and will also update parents with these as the term progresses."