Dixons Cottingley Academy serves the Bingley and Bradford communities with a distinct, high performance culture that has become the hallmark of the Dixons Academies Trust. Since joining the trust in 2018, the school has undergone a significant transformation, moving from a period of instability to establishing itself as a top tier choice for local families. In 2024, the academy GCSE results placed it in the top 35% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), underpinned by a Progress 8 score that is well above the England average. With a capacity for 900 students, the academy feels purposeful and tightly managed, operating with a clarity of mission that focuses on social mobility and academic rigour.
The atmosphere at Dixons Cottingley is defined by what the academy calls its Culture of Excellence. This is not a school that relies on flashy architecture or heritage; rather, the focus is on the human elements of discipline, respect, and hard work. The daily routine is highly structured, designed to eliminate distractions and ensure that every minute of the school day is dedicated to learning. Students move between lessons with a quiet efficiency, and the no excuses approach to behaviour is visible in the consistent application of school rules by all staff.
Miss Francesca Hitch, who was appointed as Principal in April 2023, continues to embed these trust wide values while maintaining a focus on the specific needs of the Cottingley community. The academy values of Hard Work, Trust, and Fairness are integrated into every aspect of school life, from the way students are greeted at the gate to the recognition of achievement in weekly Mountain Climbing assemblies. This culture creates a sense of safety and predictability that many families find reassuring.
The 2024 GCSE results tell a story of significant academic value added. Dixons Cottingley Academy ranks 1,431st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 2nd among secondary schools in the Bingley local area. This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), but it is the progress data that truly distinguishes the school.
The academy achieved an average Progress 8 score of +0.65, which is considered well above average compared to the England benchmark. This indicates that students at Dixons Cottingley make substantially more progress between the ages of 11 and 16 than students with similar starting points in other schools. The Attainment 8 score of 50.1 also sits comfortably above the England average of 45.9, reflecting strong performance across a broad range of subjects.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Dixons Cottingley is unashamedly academic and EBacc aligned. Teaching follows a highly structured model that emphasizes retrieval practice, expert explanation, and deliberate practice. In the classroom, teachers use techniques to ensure high engagement and checking for understanding. This consistency across departments means students know exactly what to expect in every lesson, regardless of the subject.
There is a particular strength in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science. The academy uses Cycle Assessments every thirteen weeks to track progress and identify any students who are falling behind, with immediate interventions put in place. This data driven approach ensures that no student slips through the net during their five year journey.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Extracurricular life at Dixons Cottingley is framed through the lens of Electives and enrichment. These are not seen as optional extras but as an integral part of a student development. The academy offers a range of specific clubs, including the Dixons Cottingley Debate Society and various STEM initiatives. The Formula 24 Greenpower racing team is a notable highlight, where students design and build electric cars to race at professional circuits, providing a practical application for their physics and engineering studies.
Sport is well catered for with on site facilities including a large sports hall and outdoor pitches. The academy runs competitive teams in football, netball, and athletics, participating in Bradford wide leagues. The performing arts are also celebrated through annual productions and a music programme that encourages students to take up instrument tuition through the trust peripatetic staff.
Dixons Cottingley Academy is an oversubscribed school. For the 2024 intake, there were 429 applications for 180 places, resulting in a subscription proportion of 2.38. This means there are more than two applicants for every available desk, making entry highly competitive.
Admissions are coordinated by Bradford Metropolitan District Council. After students with an EHCP naming the school and looked after children, priority is given to those with siblings already at the academy. Remaining places are then allocated by distance from the school. While the school does not publish a formal catchment map, the high demand means that families living further than a few miles from the Cottingley site face a challenge in securing a place. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the gate.
Applications
429
Total received
Places Offered
180
Subscription Rate
2.4x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is delivered through a vertical coaching system where older students and younger students are grouped together, fostering a sense of community and peer mentorship. Each student has a dedicated Coach who they see daily for check ins on attendance, behaviour, and academic progress.
The academy places a high premium on mental health and wellbeing, with a dedicated pastoral team that includes non teaching staff available throughout the day. The Base provides a quiet space for students who may need additional emotional support or a moment of regulation. The latest inspection findings confirm that safeguarding is a strength of the academy, with a culture that encourages students to speak out if they have concerns.
As a state funded academy, Dixons Cottingley Academy provides education free of charge. There are no tuition fees. Parents are expected to provide the correct school uniform and basic equipment, though the school can often provide support with these costs for families eligible for Pupil Premium. The academy also offers a range of free after school clubs, and where trips or special activities involve a cost, the school works to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating.
The school day at Dixons Cottingley begins at 8:20am and finishes at 3:25pm from Monday to Thursday, with an earlier finish at 2:30pm on Fridays. The academy is located on Cottingley New Road, which can be busy during drop off and pick up times; many students use the local bus services that stop directly outside the site. While formal wraparound care is not published, the school offers various after school enrichment activities and corrections that extend the day for many students.
Dixons Cottingley Academy is a school that has successfully exported the Dixons Way to Bingley, providing a disciplined, high achieving environment that serves its community well. Its exceptional Progress 8 scores demonstrate that it is a place where students of all abilities are pushed to achieve beyond expectations. It is best suited to families who value structure, discipline, and a traditional academic focus, and who are willing to support the school no excuses culture. Entry remains the primary hurdle for those living further afield.
Yes. Dixons Cottingley Academy is currently rated Good by Ofsted. It is a high performing state school that ranks 2nd locally in Bingley and achieves a Progress 8 score of +0.65, which is well above the England average. This means students typically achieve more than half a grade higher across their subjects than they would in an average school.
In 2024, the academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 50.1, significantly higher than the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 1,431st in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 35% of all secondary schools. It is particularly strong in the core EBacc subjects of English, Maths, and Science.
Applications for Year 7 entry must be made via the Bradford Metropolitan District Council common application form. The deadline is 31 October for entry the following September. Because the school is oversubscribed, with over 2.3 applications for every place, distance from the school is a major factor in the allocation of places.
No, the academy serves students aged 11 to 16. After Year 11, students typically move on to local colleges or the Dixons Sixth Form Academy in Bradford. The school provides extensive guidance to help students manage this transition and secure places at their preferred post 16 destinations.
The school is known for its Culture of Excellence which includes a very strict behaviour policy. It uses a clear system of rewards and sanctions to maintain a calm, focused environment. This includes high expectations for uniform, punctuality, and active listening in the classroom.
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