Inspectors give their verdict on special measures school

But the principal tasked with turning Earlsheaton Technology College around has spoken in her team’s defence.

Hayley Clacy said: “This was always going to be a challenging year but we have worked hard to raise standards in all areas,” she said.

“There have been many improvements since September and we now have firm foundations.”

Ofsted said the school must raise attainment, improve leadership and management effectiveness, and address concerns with behaviour when it was placed in special measures in January 2012.

Inspectors found progress in lessons varied from outstanding to inadequate during their latest visit in April.

Their report said the school expected 2013 GCSE results to be above the government’s minimum standard.

Mrs Clacy said: “A lot of work has been undertaken to ensure that our Year 11 students have had the very best possible chance to achieve exam success this year.

“Some students have been entered early for exams and we are delighted that many have already passed.”

But inspectors were concerned that pupils’ progress was being undermined by a lack of permanent leadership.

Mrs Clacy said the school was recruiting as part of a new staffing structure.

“We are currently in the process of interviewing and I am pleased to say that we are attracting candidates of a very high calibre,” she said.

The school has already appointed Damien Rowe as vice-principal and named three new assistant principals.

It is due to become an academy in September and will be taken out of special measure as a result.

But Mrs Clacy said that would not mean work to improve the school was over.

She said: “I have always been very clear about my aim for this school and that is for it to be the outstanding school that the local community wants and deserves.”