Bradford Girls’ Grammar School is celebrating after a successful Ofsted inspection where inspectors recognised rapid improvements in every area of school life since they last visited.
At the end of a rigorous two day inspection, the team of four inspectors deemed the school to be good in every area of the OFSTED framework, including the quality of education, the personal development opportunities provided for students and the standards of behaviour across the Academy.
The Inspection team praised the school for its excellent academic results noting that ‘Pupils achieve outcomes that are above national averages across the curriculum’. They described a “curriculum that is ambitious for all including those with special education needs and or disabilities (SEND)” and praised the subject knowledge of teachers. They particularly noted that the school has high expectations for pupils’ achievement and leaders are ambitious for the future.
Pupils were rightly praised throughout the report with inspectors praising both the conduct and attitudes of the girls. In the opening paragraphs of the report Inspectors state, ‘Pupils are ambitious for their future at this improving school. Pupils are respectful to each other and to the adults in the building. They feel safe here and have trusted adults to speak to if needed. Classrooms are calm and purposeful learning environments.’
Leadership at the Academy was also praised. “Leaders support staff well. Leaders are mindful of workload. The school provides a well-structured programme of professional development at all levels”. Beyond school the Trust and governors supporting Bradford Girls were also commended with Inspectors concluding comments assuring “Trustees and the local governing body have strong oversight of the school. Leaders at all levels are ambitious for the future of the school”.
Since the last inspection Bradford Girls Grammar School has been through some significant changes. The school joined Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust in January 2023; it moved to become a stand alone secondary school from September 2024 (having previously been a provision for students from age 5 to 16) and new Headteacher Caroline Foster joined the school in September of this year
Mrs Foster, Headteacher at Bradford Girls’ Grammar, said:
“We are thrilled for our pupils, colleagues and families. We are pleased that Ofsted recognised how special our school is and how everyone is working tirelessly to ensure that the girls receive an exceptional all round education. Our girls our phenomenal and they should be extremely proud of this achievement”.
“We would like to thank everyone who has supported the school on this journey and we are excited about the future. We welcome prospective parents to make an appointment to come and visit us and see first hand how we can support your daughter to fulfil her potential”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:
“I am delighted that the positive changes at Bradford Girls Grammar School have been recognised in our latest inspection. Everyone from school leaders, to staff to students and families have pulled together to get the OFSTED outcome the school deserves and I am delighted that Inspectors recognised the ambitions we have for our students now and as we look to the future. Well done to everyone involved
To view this Ofsted report please click here.