Bradford Academy Review 2026: An All-Through Community Hub in West Yorkshire

Serving a diverse community in the Eccleshill area of Bradford, this Church of England academy provides a continuous educational journey for students aged 2 to 19. As an all-through institution, the academy offers the stability of a single campus environment from the earliest years of nursery through to the completion of A-levels or vocational qualifications. The school is a prominent feature of the local landscape, occupying a vast, modern site on Teasdale Street designed to accommodate nearly 1,900 students across its various phases.

Mrs Melanie Saville has served as the Headteacher since March 2022, overseeing a period of significant structural focus within the academy. The school operates as a standalone academy trust, bringing a framework of Christian values to the daily life of the institution. While the academy faces the complexities inherent in managing a large, high-capacity school in an urban context, it remains a central pillar for local families seeking a consistent educational pathway without the disruption of multiple school transitions.

The atmosphere at Bradford Academy is defined by its sheer scale and its explicit Church of England identity. The school motto, Shine, is woven into the fabric of the academy, representing the ambition for every student to find their unique strengths. Despite the large student population, the academy is organised into distinct phases to maintain a sense of belonging for younger pupils while providing older students with the independence required for secondary and post-16 study.

The physical environment is purpose-built and modern, with specific wings dedicated to different age groups. In the primary phase, classrooms are designed to be bright and interactive, while the secondary and sixth form areas take on a more mature, professional tone. The Christian character is evidenced through regular collective worship and a curriculum that emphasises service, respect, and community cohesion.

Leaders have worked to create a culture of high expectations, though they acknowledge that consistency across such a large staff body is an ongoing priority. Students are encouraged to take pride in their uniform and their environment, contributing to a sense of shared identity in a school that draws from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Academic performance at Bradford Academy presents a contrasting picture between the primary and secondary stages. In the primary phase, the academy demonstrates notable strength, particularly in ensuring pupils meet core standards. In 2024, 70% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%. Furthermore, 17% of pupils achieved the higher standard in these subjects, more than double the England average of 8%. These results place the primary phase 64th out of 163 schools in Bradford, reflecting a solid performance that sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile) (FindMySchool ranking).

The secondary phase faces more substantial challenges. In the 2024 GCSE results, the average Attainment 8 score was 33.1, which is below the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.94 indicates that students, on average, make nearly a full grade less progress across their subjects than similar students in other schools in England. This places the secondary phase in the lower tier (bottom 40%) of schools in England, ranking 33rd out of 38 secondary schools in the local authority (FindMySchool ranking). While these figures highlight areas for improvement, they also reflect the academy's commitment to an inclusive intake with varying starting points.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and balanced, meeting the needs of a diverse student body from the age of two through to nineteen. In the primary years, there is a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy, which is reflected in the strong Key Stage 2 outcomes. Specialist teaching is introduced gradually, ensuring that the transition to the more departmentalised structure of secondary school is managed effectively.

In the secondary phase, the academy offers a range of GCSEs alongside vocational options. However, the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entry rate is lower than the England average, with only 3.9% of pupils achieving Grade 5 or above in the EBacc. This suggests a curriculum that is often tailored toward vocational pathways and practical skills rather than a purely traditional academic route.

The latest Ofsted inspection in April 2025 noted that while the curriculum is ambitious, there is still work to be done to ensure it is delivered consistently across all subjects in Key Stages 3 and 4. Teachers utilize the academy’s modern technology and science laboratories to bring subjects to life. In the post-16 phase, the focus shifts toward preparing students for their next steps, whether that be university, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the Bradford workforce.

Where Students Go Next

For a school of its size, the destinations of leavers are varied. According to 2024 leavers data, 34% of students progressed to university. While this is lower than some selective or independent alternatives, it represents a significant achievement for a school serving this specific demographic. A further 9% moved into further education colleges, and 3% secured apprenticeships.

Crucially, 30% of students entered direct employment after finishing their studies at the academy. This high employment rate reflects the school’s focus on employability skills and its links with local businesses in West Yorkshire. The academy’s transition team provides guidance throughout the sixth form to help students navigate these different pathways, focusing on realistic and sustainable career goals.

Securing a place at Bradford Academy is competitive, as the school is oversubscribed across both main entry points. For the primary phase, there were 85 applications for 45 places in the last cycle, resulting in a subscription proportion of 1.89. This means nearly two families applied for every available desk in Reception.

The competition is even more pronounced at Year 7. With 438 applications for 210 offers, the subscription proportion stands at 2.09. Parents should note that as an all-through school, many places in the secondary phase are filled by students moving up from the academy’s own primary wing.

Admissions are handled by Bradford Council. While distance is a key factor, the school’s Church of England status means that some places are allocated based on faith criteria. Families should refer to the local authority’s admissions booklet to understand how these categories are prioritized each year.

With such a large student body, the academy employs a robust pastoral system to ensure no student is overlooked. The school is divided into year-based communities, each led by a head of year and supported by a team of tutors. This structure allows for more personal oversight and provides students with a consistent point of contact.

The Church of England ethos underpins the pastoral approach, with an emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation, and mutual support. Safeguarding is a high priority, and the academy has dedicated staff to manage the complex needs that can arise in a large urban school. The 2025 Ofsted report found that behaviour and attitudes were Good, noting that staff and pupils agree behaviour has improved dramatically in recent times.

The academy’s facilities allow for an extensive range of extracurricular activities. The sports hall and outdoor pitches are frequently used for football, basketball, and athletics. As a Church of England school, the choir and music department are particularly active, often contributing to local community events and church services.

Specific clubs found at the academy include the Debating Society and various STEM-related projects designed to boost engagement in the sciences. The academy also encourages participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is highly valued for developing independence and resilience in older students. These activities provide a vital outlet for students to develop interests beyond their examined subjects.

The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 3:00pm, though the sixth form day can vary depending on individual timetables. For younger pupils, the academy provides a breakfast club starting at 8:00am, ensuring a settled start to the day.

Transport links are good, with several local bus routes serving the Eccleshill and BD4 area. There is limited on-site parking for visitors, and parents are encouraged to use walking routes where possible to manage the congestion typical of such a large school site. Wraparound care for primary pupils includes after-school sessions, though parents are advised to contact the school office directly for the latest availability and session costs.

Fees & Financial Aid

Bradford Academy is a state-funded academy, which means there are no tuition fees for students in any phase, including the Nursery and Sixth Form. Like all state schools, families are expected to cover the costs of school uniforms, some optional trips, and certain extracurricular materials.

The academy provides support for families eligible for Free School Meals, and additional financial assistance may be available through the 16-19 Bursary Fund for eligible sixth form students. This fund is intended to help with the costs of travel, books, or equipment needed for their studies.

• Varying Academic Strengths: There is a clear divide in performance data between the primary and secondary phases. While the primary wing outperforms England averages, the secondary phase shows a significant gap in progress scores.
• Scale of the Institution: With nearly 1,900 students, the academy is very large. While this brings excellent facilities, some children may find the sheer size and bustle of the corridors overwhelming.
• Requires Improvement Status: The academy was rated as Requires Improvement by Ofsted in April 2025. While Early Years, Sixth Form, and Leadership were all rated Good, the Quality of Education remains an area for development.
• High Competition for Places: As an oversubscribed school, living in the immediate vicinity is often necessary for those not moving up through the academy's own primary phase.

Bradford Academy is a complex and ambitious institution that offers a unique all-through experience in West Yorkshire. It suits families who value a continuous educational journey within a Christian framework and those who can benefit from the strong foundation provided in the primary years. While the secondary phase outcomes require further focus, the school's strong leadership and improved behaviour standards provide a solid platform for future growth. Best suited to local families within the Eccleshill area seeking a stable, inclusive, and community-focused environment.