Bradford Forster Academy is celebrating after achieving the highest possible outcome following its recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS), providing independent recognition of the academy’s ambitious improvement journey and its commitment to delivering an exceptional education for young people in BD4.
The outcome comes at a time of significant change for the academy, with new leadership implementing ambitious plans to raise standards, strengthen behaviour, improve attendance and ensure every young person is supported to achieve their full potential. While leaders are clear there is still much more to do, the inspection recognises that the academy is building strong momentum.
The inspection concluded that Bradford Forster Academy is “living up to its foundation as a Church school and is enabling pupils and adults to flourish.” Inspectors praised the academy’s ambitious leadership, inclusive culture and unwavering focus on ensuring every child is known, valued and supported.
Dedicated leadership was identified as one of the academy’s notable strengths, with inspectors recognising that the school’s vision and values are at the heart of every decision and are driving improvements both academically and personally. Staff were also praised for creating a culture where students are “known, loved and cared for”, fostering a compassionate community in which every individual is understood, valued and encouraged to succeed.
The report highlighted the academy’s ambitious curriculum, high-quality provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, wide-ranging enrichment opportunities and strong pastoral care. Inspectors also recognised improving attendance and increasing engagement in school life, noting that these opportunities are helping pupils flourish both academically and personally.
Relationships across the academy received particular praise. Inspectors found that students and staff are treated with dignity, feel valued and share a strong sense of belonging. One pupil captured the culture of the academy perfectly by telling inspectors:
“At Bradford Forster, it is about who you are, not where you come from.”
The report also recognised the academy’s commitment to preparing young people for life beyond the classroom through an extensive programme of educational visits, clubs, leadership opportunities and community service, helping students develop confidence, resilience and a greater appreciation of the world around them.
Dan Styles, Headteacher at Bradford Forster Academy, said:
“This report is wonderful recognition of the people who make Bradford Forster Academy such a special place; our students, our staff, our governors, our families and our wider community.
“Since joining the academy, I have been inspired by the commitment, care and ambition that exists here every single day. Together, we are building a school where high expectations and genuine care go hand in hand. We believe every young person deserves the very best education and every opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or starting point.
“I am particularly proud that inspectors recognised the strength of our relationships and the culture we are creating. They saw a school where children are known, valued and cared for, and where ambition sits alongside compassion.
“This inspection is an important milestone, but it is not our destination. We remain relentlessly focused on raising standards even further, creating exceptional opportunities for our students and becoming a school that the whole Bradford community is proud of.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said:
“Bradford Forster Academy is building real momentum, and this inspection recognises the dedication, ambition and care shown by everyone connected with the school.
“The report reflects exactly what visitors experience when they walk through the doors: a school with high aspirations, strong leadership and a genuine commitment to ensuring every child flourishes. We are proud of the progress that has been made and excited about what lies ahead for the academy and the community it serves.”
Bradford Forster Academy is a Church of England secondary academy serving around 900 young people in Bradford and is part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust. The academy is committed to providing an ambitious education within a caring and inclusive environment, ensuring every young person is supported to flourish both academically and personally.
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