'We fully accept that there is more to do': Halifax secondary school tasked with improving is on the up
Ofsted has commended a Halifax high school for improvements it has made but says there is still more work to be done.
Park Lane Academy was praised for its pupils’ behaviour and personal development but rated ‘Inadequate’ when it came to the quality of their education following an inspection by the education watchdog last year.
Ofsted inspectors have since returned to the secondary school for a monitoring visit and have noted several improvements.
Extra appointments have strengthened he school’s leadership team and its ability to make improvements quickly, says the report, and leaders are committed to making the school a “beacon of excellence”, engaging support from other trusts and external experts.
"Staff, pupils and their families, are positive about the school,” adds the report.
"They rightly consider this to be an improving school, as reflected in the stronger GCSE results achieved by pupils in 2025.
"Pupils recognise wider improvements in their day-to-day experience.”
Changes have been made to improve support for pupils with SEND and those who are otherwise disadvantaged, adds the report, but the impact is yet to be seen.
Addressing gaps in pupils’ knowledge, particularly those who join part-way through their secondary education, is a “work in progress”, says the report, but results have improved.
The school says last year’s GCSE results the strongest set in the school’s history.
Park Lane Academy is strengthening and expanding its curriculum by collaborating with other schools, says the report.
But it also says teaching “remains variable” and does not consistently help pupils to overcome barriers.
"For many pupils, gaps in knowledge, including in basic reading skills and mathematics for some, persist,” says the report.
“In some cases, these gaps are not being closed sufficiently rapidly and impact detrimentally on pupils’ learning.
"The school has not secured consistency in how its intended approaches are implemented by staff.”
Stuart Hillary, principal of Park Lane Academy, said: “We welcome Ofsted’s recognition that the school is improving and that the actions being taken by leaders and trustees are having a positive impact.
“The report highlights a number of important improvements since the previous inspection, including record GCSE results, a more ambitious curriculum and growing confidence among pupils, parents and staff.
"It is particularly encouraging that inspectors recognised the progress our students are making and the positive changes they are seeing in school every day.
“At the same time, we fully accept that there is more to do. Ofsted has rightly identified the need for greater consistency in teaching and learning across the school, and to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND, receive the support they need to succeed.
"These are areas we are already focused on and where further improvements are being made.”
“The report reflects a school moving in the right direction, but we are not satisfied with simply making progress.
"We want every young person at Park Lane Academy to receive an excellent education and leave us with the qualifications, knowledge and confidence they need for the future.
"That remains our focus as we continue to build on the improvements already made.”