Bradford Forster Academy appoint Gemma Earles as headteacher

In July, education watchdog Ofsted downgraded Bradford Forster Academy (BFA), located on Fenby Avenue in Cutler Heights, from a 'Good' to an 'Inadequate' rating.

Gemma Earles, who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, has been tasked with driving forward the academy’s plans for improvement.

Bradford Forster Academy (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Earles, who started out as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) teacher, has held a series of senior leadership positions over the years.

BFA say she is known for her school improvement capabilities and commitment to high-quality teaching and learning.

Throughout her career, Ms Earles has supported a school to go from special measures to good.

At her latest school, she ensured an excellent attendance rate which resulted in the school’s best-ever exam results. 

Following BFA’s recent Ofsted inspection, Ms Earles says she is dedicated to upholding and building upon the academy’s strengths in its curriculum and will focus on transforming behaviour and attendance to ensure pupils receive the best possible education.

It is all this which has led BFA to believe Ms Earles is ideally suited to the position.

Ms Earles has a wealth of knowledge and experience (Image: BFA)

Gemma Earles, Headteacher of Bradford Forster Academy, said: “I am thrilled to join the team at BFA and BDAT.

"I am looking forward to working closely with both the fantastic team of staff and our pupils to ensure we continue the academy’s transformation.

She is known for her school improvement capabilities (Image: BFA)

“Young people across the country have faced such challenges to their education over the last few years due to the pandemic and I am passionate about doing everything I can to ensure our pupils get the best possible education so they can go on to fulfil their potential and live happy lives.

“I have already met many of the wonderful families and pupils over the last few days and look forward to working together as a community to ensure BFA delivers excellent teaching, learning and opportunities and is a school that everyone can be proud of.”

The school received an 'Inadequate' Ofsted rating earlier this year (Image: BFA)

Carol Dewhurst, Chief Executive Officer of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said: “We are delighted that Ms Earles is joining the BDAT family and leading BFA through its next chapter.

"We are confident that her skills, expertise and experience will help secure long-term and meaningful improvements at BFA and ensure we continue to uphold the highest standards so that our young people have the best possible start in life.”