Bradford Forster Academy rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted

Bradford Forster Academy (BFA), on Fenby Avenue in Cutler Heights, was judged as 'good' in its last inspection by the education watchdog in 2018.

But that rating plunged to the lowest possible following an inspection on March 22 and 23. 

Bosses at the academy, which has 991 pupils on the roll, told the Telegraph & Argus that plans are well underway to secure long-term improvements and it does not tolerate offensive language or poor behaviour.

Inspectors detailed many concerns about the school in their report.

It said: "Lessons are disrupted too frequently. Staff do not challenge this poor behaviour consistently.

"As a result, there is an unruly atmosphere in certain areas of the school."

The report also highlighted concerning language used by some pupils. 

Inspectors said: "The use of derogatory and intolerant language by some pupils is common.

"Pupils told inspectors that homophobic and racist language is a regular occurrence."

Bullying was said to be "common" and the report said: "Many do not have faith in staff to deal with incidents of bullying and disruptive behaviour.

"Consequently, some pupils have stopped reporting their concerns because they believe little will be done.

"Some pupils feel unsafe because of the actions and words of others."

Inspectors commended the school's curriculum and extra-curricular provision. 

“Changes to the curriculum and new teaching strategies have begun to improve student’s educational experience," said the report. 

It added that “students are increasingly involved in enrichment activities". 

Reading was also applauded and teachers were praised for asking questions that “help students to develop a deeper understanding of what they have been taught". 

However, in looking at attendance, the report said "too many pupils are absent from school on a regular basis".

It added: "The school’s own information highlights that a considerable number of behaviour incidents occur each day.

"Pupils are regularly removed from lessons and many are suspended.

"A significant number of pupils have been permanently excluded."

The report strongly recommended that "leaders and those responsible for governance do not seek to appoint early career teachers". 

In addressing concerns about behaviour, the school said it is working closely with families to improve behaviour "which was significantly impacted by the pandemic". 

As part of this, BFA had already applied to participate in the Department for Education Behaviour Hub before the inspection.

BFA leaders said this is now beginning to have a positive impact and the pace of improvements has continued to excel since the inspection took place in March.

The rate of suspensions has decreased by 12 per cent and this has continued throughout the summer term.

57 per cent of students also showed improved attendance in the spring term when compared to the same term last year. 

Leaders at the academy added: “We are disappointed to see some of the comments in the report and absolutely do not tolerate offensive language or poor behaviour.

"We have been working hard to raise standards across the academy and are now beginning to see improvements which we were pleased to see acknowledged in the report." 

Cath Proud, who has been principal at Bradford Forster Academy since 2020, said: “While receiving this Ofsted rating is not what we had hoped for, we were pleased to see many elements of the academy praised, including our curriculum, reading provision and enrichment activities. 

“We are committed to achieving sustainable and long-term progress throughout the academy to provide our students with the best possible learning experience and ensure they have the qualifications and life skills they need to go on to achieve fulfilling careers. 

“I am working closely alongside my senior leadership team, colleagues across the academy, governing body and our Trust to support our school community to reach the high expectations we are setting.

"I am pleased to see the progress we are making and look forward to building on these improvements in the coming months.” 

Carol Dewhurst, CEO of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust which the school joined upon opening in 2015, said: “It is disappointing to receive this Ofsted rating as the academy is working extremely hard to raise standards and secure long-term improvements for our young people.

“However, we want to reassure our community that the academy, staff, governors and Trust leaders hold the highest expectations for our students, and we are all united in our mission to give BFA students the best possible education."