As the school year draws to a close, staff and students at Bradford Forster Academy (BFA) are celebrating a hugely successful year, confirmed in the publication of their latest OFSTED monitoring visit.
Following a two-day inspection in June, Bradford Forster Academy, a 11-16 secondary school in West Bowling, Bradford, has been commended for their work across all areas of the schools teaching, learning and pastoral offer with staff described as “determined and united in their efforts to improve school”.
A particular area of improvement highlighted was the “much improved” pupil attendance, which is not only 5% higher than last academic year, but also above national average. Attendance improvements were attributed to ‘staff’s raised expectations’ and ‘pupil’s increased motivation to attend.’ Within the report, Inspectors acknowledged the strides in this area were so significant, bucking the national trend, that the BFA was being approached by other schools to share their transformation tips and practice.
Pupil behaviour was also praised with Inspectors highlighting how “students wore their uniform with pride”, spent time in lessons focussed on learning and dedicated time to supporting their local community through school organised litter picks and other community led initiatives. This improved behaviour was backed up by rapidly declining levels of suspensions compared to previous years and Inspectors observations that the “school has almost eliminated internal truancy”.
Leadership across the school was also mentioned as a strength with the report stating that leaders “treat each other with compassion, professionalism and humour’ creating “a working environment that is respectful and supportive.” The report also commented that governance and Trust oversight was accelerating improvement confirming “Trustee and the local governing body complement each other. There is no dividing line between the Trust and school staff. The CEO, Director of Secondary Education, Trustees, governors and school staff have the shared ambition and the capacity to continually improve the school”.
Much of the improvements at Bradford Forster can be credit to work completed by school leaders this year to redefine school values with OFSTED confirming that “This has supported the imposition of clarity and consistency of all aspects of school life”. The school has consulted with all stakeholders this year to create new values for the school: Respect, Community and Growth. Placing school at the heart of the local Community is a theme which runs through the Inspection report as being at the centre of all school recent and future decisions.
The outward facing community work of Bradford Forster was described as “starting to reap benefits”. “Parents and carers attend fortnightly coffee meetings” in school meaning “Leaders hear first hand about the worries and concerns of parents.” The pupil shadow senior leadership team was also praised for “working with leaders, other pupils and the community to make positive changes”.
Community and parent partnerships will continue to be an area of focus and pride for the school moving forward.
Gemma Earles, Principal of Bradford Forster Academy commented: “I am so proud of all the staff and students who attend Bradford Forster Academy. BFA really is a community school where staff and students alike look out for and care for each other. Today’s successes highlight the steep improvement trajectory that the school is on and that we all have a part to play in ensuring the very best for our students. I am looking forward to the next stage in our journey.”
Carol Dewhurst, OBE, Chief Executive of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust said: “Bradford Forster Academy is a school on a remarkable improvement journey highlighted by the improved student attendance, improved behaviour and the improved quality of teaching and extra-curricular activities being delivered day in and day out. I am pleased to note that Inspectors recognise that by all of us – parents, staff, student, school leaders, governors and the Trust – pulling in the same direction, the only way is up for this continually improving school”.
To read the full report please click here