A GROWING and expanding Bradford school is celebrating after receiving a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted. 

The headteacher at Immanuel College, on Leeds Road, Idle, praised the hard work and dedication of staff and students during the “journey of improvement over the last two years”.

The secondary school, which is part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust (BDAT), was inspected by Ofsted on April 23 and 24 this year.

The school continues to be ‘good’ after receiving the same rating from an inspection in January 2019.

Immanuel was described as a place where “pupils are happy and feel safe” and the school has “high expectations for all pupils”.

Following on from a successful SIAMS Church of England inspection in December, the report reiterated that “a strong Christian ethos runs throughout the school” and “pupils learn a curriculum underpinned by the values of perseverance, character and hope”.

The curriculum was also said to be “ambitious for all pupils”.

Pupils “talked confidently about what they are learning and what they have learned previously” and they are “making good progress through the curriculum”.

The school's post-16 provision was also praised, noting “students in the sixth form achieve well” and “students studying applied general qualifications achieve outcomes significantly above national averages”.

“The head boy and head girl spoke with pride about their time at Immanuel College and with ambition and enthusiasm about their future," said the report.

The report also concluded that safeguarding systems and processes are effective at the school.

Students are “respectful to each other regardless of any differences they have” and students have “a good understanding of how to keep themselves safe online and in the community”.

Steve Mulligan, headteacher at Immanuel College, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection.

"I am incredibly proud of the hard work put in by every member of staff and the commitment to learning shown by our wonderful students.

“I am pleased Ofsted have acknowledged what we have achieved in the last two years and it is an honour to be able to lead Immanuel College moving forward.”

Carol Dewhurst OBE, chief executive Officer at BDAT, added: “This report is great recognition of the education and pastoral provision Immanuel College offers day in and day out for the young people in their school.

“As the school continues to grow, extending their sixth form offer from September this year and opening their doors to additional pupils in year 7, we look forward to being able to being able to ensure even more students have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive during their time at Immanuel College.”