A BRADFORD school that was previously rated ‘outstanding’ has fallen to ‘good’ following a recent inspection. 

Dixons McMillan Academy, on Trinity Road, was visited by the education watchdog on September 26 and 27.

The school, part of the Dixons Academies Trust, was rated as 'good' in each category, including the quality of education it provides, behaviour and attitudes, personal development and leadership and management.

Inspectors found the school has high standards for behaviour and pupils value the support and guidance that they receive at Dixons McMillan.

The report says: “Routines are followed consistently well. Pupils know exactly what is expected of them, and many rise to meet these expectations. Behaviour in school is good.

“There have lately been some changes, which pupils are positive about. Pupils move around the building to lively music, which they help to select.

“Every day, the school eats together during ‘family dining’. This enables everyone to come together.”

The school offers leadership opportunities for pupils through positions such as head students and student council positions.

This allows children to have a positive influence on the school such as planning culture days or influencing items on the lunch menu, the report says.

It adds: "A high number of pupils study the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, and the school has recently introduced more vocational options.

"Pupils can opt for some subjects at the end of Year 8. The school has ensured that the curriculum in Years 7 and 8 is matched to the aims and ambitions of the national curriculum so that pupils have the knowledge needed for this stage of their education."

In looking at areas for improvement, the report says: "Some pupils are absent from school too often.

"As a result, they miss important learning and fall behind their peers.

"The school must work to improve pupils’ attendance."

It adds: "Too few pupils in key stage 4 access extra-curricular activities. This is because there are not enough activities in which to participate.

"The school must ensure that there are more opportunities for pupils to enhance their education beyond the academic curriculum."

Ofsted deemed the school's safeguarding arrangements as effective.

Principal Kat Lang said: “I am exceptionally proud of the recent Ofsted report.

“We have always been clear that we exist to provide the best 11-16 education possible to students from across our city and this is what drives us, not Ofsted judgements.

“However, it is very reassuring to have our hard work and care for our students recognised.

"I am particularly pleased to see that inspectors noted that our students with additional needs are fully included in the life of the school."