Adrian Kneeshaw

I have a strong record of school improvement, taking three schools out of Special Measures as Headteacher/Executive Headteacher. These include a Catholic school set for closure and a PRU for students with mental health issues. Arguably my most notable work was at Carlton Bolling (Bradford), which entered Special Measures under very high-profile circumstances, being called ‘The most broken school in the country’. It underwent rapid improvement and was judged ‘Outstanding’ in 2017 less than two years after being in Special Measures, gained World Class Schools Status in 2018 and was named ‘Secondary School of The Year’ in the 2019 BBC/Pearson National Teaching Awards.
Other notable work includes University Academy Keighley, a secondary school in disarray due to teacher strikes, severe financial problems (auditors stated the school would close) and poor academic performance – being an Ofsted ‘Stuck School’ which had never been at least ‘Good’. The school gained its’ first ever ‘Good’ rating just 17 months later (Jan 20) and is now a very successful and financially solvent school.
I am currently CEO of Carlton Academy Trust, which comprises 2 secondary and 3 primary schools. All schools are successful and well led, with two rated as World Class Schools.