Having worked across schools in Bradford for a number of years involved with data, curriculum and timetabling, now is a very exciting time to be working closely with the Carlton Academy Trust. The focus that the Trust brings on high standards, rigour and strong systems give staff clear direction to effectively support young people to be successful.

This involves not just strong academic outcomes, but wider personal and social development so that our students become well-mannered, disciplined, inquisitive and aspirational British citizens. The Trust’s focus on teaching and wider staff development mean that all staff are equipped with the tools to do their jobs effectively, and simple systems allow staff to focus on the key actions that will have an impact on the lives and experiences of the young people we work with.

In the six years I have worked at Carlton Bolling I have felt respected and valued for what I bring to the school. I have been constantly challenged to come up with my own ideas and to provide input to the Senior Leadership team, which is very important to me.

Being an ex-student of the school, it gives me great pride and satisfaction to give something back to the community in which I grew up in. I am able to share my educational experiences and training with the next generation and I know this is appreciated by the students and parents. It is this that motivates me every day.

Having worked in teaching since 2001, these are indeed very exciting times for UAK. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to work in a school that consistently, over an 18 year period, hovered dangerously close to the special measures category. It was hard work having to accept the criticism that was directed at us from all quarters. Thankfully this is now in the past.

A new fresh and dynamic approach has taken over since our partnership with Carlton Academy Trust. In every facet of the school there is an air of positivity the likes of which I have never witnessed before whilst at UAK. There is a sense of purpose and determination amongst all staff to get the school where it wants to be, and that is outstanding. I sincerely believe that, with the help and implementation of Carlton’s systems, and the developing outstanding team at UAK, we can reach this goal, for the students, staff and the community. I am immensely excited at the prospect of one day being part of an outstanding UAK.

It is great to work at Carlton Bolling because both the staff and young people work tirelessly together to ensure a brighter future. The enthusiasm to create a safe, vibrant and rewarding atmosphere is infectious.

Staff work hard to create positive lasting memories for our young people through the quality of learning and by developing that sense of community which begins each morning when our young people are greeted by staff.

Our school is home to a rich diversity of young people which helps us to understand and accept a variety of cultures thus meaning we have a vast array of kind, interesting and talented young people.

The endless commitment and desire shown by staff for our young people on a daily basis to achieve fantastic outcomes makes me incredibly proud to say I work at Carlton Bolling.

Having come into teaching in 2000, somewhat thrown in at the deep end, being the only teacher in the department and in a school where behaviour was tough, I came to realise that teaching could be fun and rewarding, and hard work really does pay off!

Since UAK has been in partnership with Carlton Bolling, there has been a real turnaround in all areas and expectations are now extremely high. We are able to develop as teachers through very strong peer to peer support and weekly CPD and I have recently been appointed Raising Standards Leader which means I identify, through data, students who need intervention and support the teacher in ensuring this takes place in a timely manner.

I am excited to see what the future holds for UAK, but I have no doubt that we will be the first ‘Outstanding’ school in Keighley!

I have been a history teacher at University Academy Keighley since September 2018, having studied Politics at Aberystwyth university, before I completed my teacher training with the University of Cumbria.

There are many reasons why I decided to become a teacher. I have a passion for my subject, a love of learning, but by far my greatest draw into teaching was to inspire the desire for learning in young people. Students at UAK are so very keen to learn and really respond to innovative and engaging teaching. Teachers at UAK are given consistent support through their teaching colleagues, Director of Faculty and the Senior Leadership Team.

History is a fascinating subject to share with young people, as by exploring the past we are made aware of how we reached our present. I have led on some great school projects during my career to date, including Oxfam ChangeMakers and the School of Sanctuary project. I look forward to developing new opportunities for the inspirational young people that make up the community of University Academy Keighley.

I started working at Carlton Bolling in September 2018 as a Teach First participant and I am now in my NQT year. Being in the early stages of my career, the kindness and support shown to me by established staff was invaluable and empowered me to ask questions or for help whenever I needed to.

The dedicated behavior team is a huge asset to Carlton Bolling. Every time I have required assistance or advice from a Head of Year, I have received it and seen an immediate improvement with the young people I teach. It is so reassuring to know that there is a whole team of people willing and ready to ensure that the young people I teach have the best chance to get the education they deserve.

I am a mathematics teacher at Carlton Bolling. Coming into school every day is genuinely pleasing as the staff and young people make the school what it is, outstanding. From the smart and lovely young people who thrive off great teaching and learning to the hugely supportive heads of years and teachers who are always on hand to help and develop you into a great practitioner, you’re never short of guidance from all the staff and self-satisfaction from the day to day teaching. I’ve always thought of Carlton Bolling as a place to help the young people of our community and not just work. If I could live my life again, I would change many things but not teaching at Carlton Bolling.

I have worked at Carlton Bolling since 2008, during this time I have been given the opportunity to progress my career from Kitchen Assistant to Human Resources Manager. Staff feel valued and the Leadership team are very supportive towards all levels of staff working in school. Carlton Bolling really invest in personal development and career enhancing opportunities by supporting staff with their training needs and qualifications.

I enjoy working in an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

I have been working at Carlton Bolling for the last 4 years. It’s been an amazing experience filled with a lot of positive challenges, personal development and career enhancing opportunities. I’ve been a part of exciting school projects such as collaboration with BBC Look North and involved in promoting our school on national level at Attendance Conferences.

My immediate team and the staff in school are extremely professional and supportive. It’s an outstanding school with outstanding expectations.