A BRADFORD trust and two of its schools have won a series of prestigious Diversity for Education Awards.

Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), alongside Westminster CE Academy and Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, were recognised for their dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion.

Bradford is the youngest city in Europe with 25.7 per cent of its population aged under 18 and more than 160 languages spoken by children attending schools.

Within BDAT schools alone, more than 50 per cent of its students are from ethnic minorities. 

The Trust’s approach of having a clear ambition to champion diversity and foster inclusion earned it the Most Outstanding MAT Award.

Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, on Thorn Lane in Chellow Heights, gained the Best Student Welfare Provision Award.

This was in recognition of the exceptional levels of support students receive from the pastoral team and inclusion teams.

Westminster CE Academy, in Undercliffe, won the Curriculum Excellence Award in recognition of its dedication to creating a safe and inclusive space for all students.

The academy also achieved School of Sanctuary status for its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming place for child refugees.

Debbie Anness, headteacher at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, said: "Student welfare and wellbeing are at the heart of all we do here at Belle Vue Girls' Academy.

"In creating a safe, calm and positive environment for all, founded on positive relationships and consistent routines, we have created the conditions in which our students can learn and thrive.

"We are very proud of this award and the fact that it recognises the tireless dedication of our pastoral and inclusion teams."

Simon Gallacher, headteacher at Westminster CE Academy, added: “We are delighted and humbled to be recognised in this way. We are building on our clear commitment to making everyone in our community feel welcome.

"We believe that all our children deserve the chance to make the most of the opportunities we offer, preparing them to be our community leaders of the future.”

Katie Waring, Director of Professional and Career Development at BDAT, said: “It is a wonderful honour to have BDAT’s work towards an inclusive and equitable teaching and learning environment recognised with the Most Outstanding MAT Award.

“Our ambition to promote and celebrate diversity is not over. We have plans to continue on our positive trajectory to ensure students, staff and families from all backgrounds continue to be warmly welcomed and supported to thrive.”