Bradford Academy
Bradford, BD4 7QS · Bradford · all-through school
Check the area around this school
30th of 35 secondary schools in Bradford we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 1.7/10 against 319 of them, against 0.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 27.9 · 12 | 46% | 0.54 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.94 · 4 | 38% | 0.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.2 · 6 | 15% | 0.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bradford Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 23.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 33.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.94 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (1.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school offers a breakfast club, an after-school club, and a Year 6 residential trip in 2026.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,549 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,891. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve progress scores for students with similar backgrounds? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support learning outside of core lessons?
What Ofsted said about Bradford Academy
Overview
Bradford Academy is described as an inclusive school where pupils feel valued and happy, with staff and pupils proud of improvements since the last inspection. The report highlights a "rich, carefully designed curriculum" and "commendable" behaviour, though it notes that the quality of education requires improvement due to inconsistencies in delivery.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit "polite and respectful" behaviour, creating a "calm and supportive learning space" through the school’s proactive management.
- Reading is central to learning, with staff delivering the phonics programme "expertly" and providing prompt support for those who find it difficult.
- The school ensures pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "thrive alongside their peers" through effective on-site provision and inclusive practices.
- Sixth-form students value the "individual support provided" and engage in enrichment activities such as sports and overseas travel.
- Governors are "skilled and knowledgeable," working effectively to support the school while staff appreciate the commitment to their workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- The trust must ensure all aspects of taught subject curriculums are delivered effectively, particularly in key stages 3 and 4, as current inconsistencies mean pupils do not fully understand essential content.
- The trust should strengthen its attendance strategy, as many pupils remain absent too regularly, missing vital learning experiences and creating knowledge gaps.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 33.1 |
| 2024/25 | 33.1 |
| 2025/26 | 35.2 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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