A BRADFORD school has been given a prestigious national award recognising its success in last year's GCSE exam results.

Dixons Allerton Academy, the former Rhodesway School in Allerton, has been handed the SSAT Educational Outcomes Award by the Schools, Students and Teachers Network.

The improving school will receive the illustrious award at a ceremony later this school year where other high-performing schools across the country will also be honoured.

Last year saw a new grading system brought in for GCSE, with students achieving a grade 1 to 9 (9 being the highest), rather than traditional A* to F grades.

Dixons Allerton celebrated the best results the school has had in the past 20 years, with average results improving by a full grade and 60 per cent of students achieving grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in their results, and two students achieving straight 9s.

In the school league tables released earlier this year, the school's sixth form also placed in the top one per cent of schools nationally for student progress, and in the top 0.4 per cent if private schools are discounted.

The SSAT Educational Outcomes award recognises the school's achievement of being in the top 20 per cent of schools nationally for progress

SSAT compared schools in England across a range of key measures, with the highest performing centres receiving awards.

Gary Dreher, principal at Dixons Allerton, spoke of his pride at the achievements of his students.

He said: "We are delighted to receive this recognition for the effort and commitment of our scholars and the staff who support them so tirelessly to achieve the best they can be in everything they do.

"This award further demonstrates the progress we have made at Dixons Allerton Academy and I am extremely proud of all we have achieved."

Sue Williamson, chief executive of SSAT was also full of praise for the school.

She added: “I am delighted that Dixons Allerton Academy has won an Educational Outcomes Awards.

"This recognises one important aspect of the school’s work but at SSAT we believe an outstanding school has deep social justice at the heart of its plan; it subjects that plan to constant challenge and innovation; and it liberates teachers to perform brilliantly in the classroom.

"SSAT is pleased to recognise the quality of leadership and the hard work of all staff to ensure the success of every child. A big thank you and well done to students, parents, staff and governors.”

SSAT is an organisation that for the past 30 years has worked with its members to drive school improvement and innovation, supporting members with further training and school improvement programmes.