A BRADFORD secondary school has been celebrating after it was rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.

Dixons City Academy, based in Ripley Street, West Bowling, improved from Good following its recent inspection, where Ofsted praised its “exceptional leadership”, wide-ranging and challenging curriculum, and the progress its disadvantaged students make.

Principal Michael Feely, who joined the school in September, said the result was a “fantastic achievement”.

In the report, inspectors said: “ The executive principal provides exceptional leadership.

“Ably supported by other leaders, she inspires staff and pupils to have the highest aspirations for themselves and of others.

“The recently appointed principal shares the executive principal’s ambition to strive for excellence in every aspect of the school’s work.

“The school’s culture values diversity, harmony and independent learning. Pupils thrive in this environment and they achieve highly.

“Governors are very skilled and effective in challenging leaders. They have an incisive knowledge of the school, and the trust provides strong support for the school.

“The high quality of teaching and assessment leads pupils to make outstanding progress across the curriculum.

“Disadvantaged pupils, including the most able disadvantaged, make progress which exceeds that of other pupils nationally.

“Subject leaders are highly effective in bringing about improvements to the quality of teaching and learning.

“The curriculum provides breadth, choice and challenge for pupils of all abilities to achieve their best. All pupils progress onto further education, employment or training.

“School leaders are passionate about enriching pupils’ lives. Consequently, the range of extracurricular activities is impressive, and engagement levels are high. Performing arts is a real strength of the school.

“With very few exceptions, pupils behave impeccably in lessons. Pupils enjoy coming to school. Attendance is higher than the average for secondary schools.”

The only area identified for improvement was to continue to improve the provision for students with special educational needs or disabilities so their progress matches that of others.

Michael Feely said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our school and the report accurately reflects the daily school life at Dixons City Academy.

“Disons City is a place of educational excellence where we all strive together as a diverse community to change the world for the better.

“Our students, staff, parents/carers and governors truly deserve the recognition of being judged outstanding in all areas.

“I am very proud to be principal at Dixons City and lead such an amazing school.”