Hanson Academy
Bradford, BD2 1JP · Bradford · secondary school
Check the area around this school
22nd 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 — 5.0/10 against 403 of them, against 2.7/10 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 | 44.9 · 50 | 46% | 2.30 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.69 · 9 | 38% | 0.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 36.3 · 8 | 15% | 0.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Hanson Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 36.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 35.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.69 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 (3.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,503 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,788. 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 interventions are in place to improve progress scores for students starting from lower baselines? How does the academy structure its curriculum to ensure all pupils, regardless of background, are prepared for the next stage of education?
What Ofsted said about Hanson Academy
Overview
Hanson Academy provides an "inclusive and aspirational environment" where pupils behave well and focus on their learning. The report highlights an "incredibly positive culture shift" driven by leaders who are focused on improving life chances, resulting in significantly improved attendance and a calm atmosphere.
Strengths
- Staff deliver an "ambitious curriculum" with "good subject knowledge," helping pupils connect prior knowledge and produce high-quality written work.
- Behaviour has improved markedly, with reduced suspensions and pupils demonstrating understanding of expected routines.
- The school’s focus on reading is effective, supported by a "revitalised library" that helps pupils become more fluent readers.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "identified and assessed well" and included warmly in school life.
- Personal development is strong, with pupils making active contributions to the community and developing age-appropriate understanding of health and wellbeing.
Areas to improve
- Strategies to address significant knowledge gaps in some older pupils, caused by poor prior attendance, must be "fully embedded in all subjects."
- Sixth form curriculum implementation and student guidance require greater consistency to ensure students achieve as highly as they could.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 35.0 |
| 2024/25 | 35.1 |
| 2025/26 | 36.3 |
| 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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