A BRADFORD free school that has had a turbulent few years has been judged to be one of the best in the district.

Ofsted inspectors have judged Dixons Kings Academy in Lidget Green to be outstanding in every area, and say the rate of improvement has been “tremendous.”

The school, which originally opened as a free school called Kings Science Academy in 2011, was judged to require improvement in its first inspection in 2013.

Last year saw its first set of pupils sit their GCSEs, and the report says the results place the school in the top one per cent in the country for science, and in the top 10 per cent for overall progress.

Kings Science Academy hit the headlines in 2014 when founder and principal Sajid Raza was arrested on suspicion of fraud, relating to the mistreatment of money provided by the department for education. He has since been jailed for five years.

After he was removed as principal, the school joined Bradford based Dixons Academy chain.

The Ofsted report, the results of which were revealed to parents yesterday, says: “Leaders at all levels are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. They uphold the highest expectations of behaviour and learning.

“In 2016, the progress of pupils in Year 11 was exceptional.

“Leaders and teachers have virtually eliminated any difference in achievement between disadvantaged pupils in the school and that of other pupils nationally.

“Improvements since the last inspection have been rapid and sustained, following a turbulent period.”

On the teaching of science, inspectors said: “progress for the vast majority of pupils truly could not be any better.”

Principal Neil Miley said: “Since Dixons took over there has been rapid, sustained change, and the report reflects this.

“It shows that our approach to teaching and learning has meant pupils are able to make exceptional progress.

“We have to make sure we continue that every student who goes to the school goes on to become a successful part of the local community.

“A lot of faith was put into the free school, and at times that faith has not always been supported by all the actions that have taken place.

"Hopefully this report can re-affirm the quality in the schools and the quality it an provide for Bradford.”

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Education Employment and Skills said: “This is a fantastic Ofsted report and I am delighted for the school’s community.

“Huge credit goes to everyone involved. The Ofsted report praises the leadership, teaching, governors and the pupils themselves.

“What comes through very clearly in the report is that the school has high expectations of their pupils’ behaviour and learning and that these expectations are being met.

“Our goal is for all pupils in the district to attend a school that is good or better. This report is an inspiring example of what is being achieved here in Bradford.”

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