Following their inspection under the new Ofsted framework in November 2025, Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, which is part of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, is celebrating a highly positive report which recognises the significant strengths and successes of the academy.
The academy is particularly proud to have met the ‘Strong’ standard for Personal Development and Well-being, meaning that they go above the expected, “marking out excellent and consistent work that makes a real difference for children and learners”[1].
The inspection report praises the school as being “committed to enriching pupils lives”, praising the academy’s inclusive ethos, celebration of diversity, high standards of behaviour, and the respect pupils show for each other and for adults. The report comments “A respect for equality spreads through all aspects of the school’s work”.
The academy, which was rated Good in all areas at the last inspection in 2021, is also proud to have securely met the ‘Expected’ standard for all others areas including Achievement, Attendance and Behaviour, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Post-16 Provision. This means the academy is doing absolutely everything it should be doing to deliver a high quality of education in these areas.
Within the report there is recognition of the quality of education the academy provides, with the report noting the calm and focused learning environment, pupils’ attention and focus in lessons, and the value they place on the learning and support they receive. Under attainment the report applauded “Pupils achieve well over time. They acquire valuable knowledge and skills, across many areas of the curriculum. Pupils learn well at key stage 3, securing foundations that prepare then effectively for GCSE study”.
Inclusion, a new focus under the 2025 framework was also credited at Belle Vue Girls’ with inspectors writing “Leaders prioritise inclusion. They understand the needs of their pupils and the barriers that some pupils face. Leaders make sure staff focus on the learning and well-being of vulnerable pupils”.
Safeguarding was also deemed securely “met” with inspectors praising the “open culture in which safeguarding is everyones responsibility” concluding “pupils are made safer (at school) and feel safe”.
Belle Vue Girls’ Academy was one of the first schools in the country to be inspected under the new Ofsted framework in November 2025; one of only three schools in Yorkshire to receive an inspection in week one of the new framework.
During their two-day visit, inspectors thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the academy’s work, including observing teaching and reviewing pupils’ work, speaking with students and staff, and meeting with senior leaders and representatives of the Governing Board and Trust.
Deborah Anness, Headteacher at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, said:
“We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection with our school community. The new Ofsted framework sets very high standards, and the inspection was rigorous and thorough. To securely meet the ‘Expected’ standards in all areas, with Personal Development and Well-being recognised as a significant strength, is incredibly pleasing and provides assurance to parents that Belle Vue Girls’ Academy is providing a high quality of education for their children. We are incredibly proud of our school and are thrilled that the report recognises and celebrates our strengths, success and our dedication to our students.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:
“Being inspected under a new Ofsted framework is always daunting, as the boundaries and expectations shift. Ofsted has made clear that this framework raises the bar significantly. I’m proud that Belle Vue Girls’ Academy not only met these heightened standards but did so in a way that reflects its essence as an ambitious, inclusive school that places young people’s personal development and well-being at the heart of everything. This is a fantastic achievement for our whole community ands reflects the hard work and determination of our staff and girls”.
Belle Vue Girls’ Academy is a secondary school with sixth form located in Heaton, Bradford. The academy is part of the successful Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust which leads a family of sixteen primary schools and five secondary schools across the region to deliver high quality education within the context of Christian belief and practice. BDAT is a forward-thinking, professional learning community that is dedicated to the development of excellence in learning, both for our pupils and for the adults who serve and teach them.
To view the full report click here