AN all-girls Bradford secondary school has been inspected by Ofsted for the first time since it opened in 2019.

Bronte Girls’ Secondary Academy, located on Bolling Road in East Bowling, was judged to be 'good' by the education watchdog. 

In three out of four categories, the academy, which has 698 pupils on its roll, was rated 'outstanding' following the inspection on January 23 and 24.

The school is part of the iExel Education Trust.

Ofsted report findings

Inspectors recognised how students “benefit significantly from the quality of education they receive”, responding well to the academy’s “extremely high expectations”.

As well as praising its “ambitious curriculum” which is skilfully taught by teachers, inspectors also commended the academy’s “clear vision to support students to become well-rounded citizens”.

Student behaviour in lessons and around the school was also described as "exemplary".

However, inspectors did say "some pupils do not access a range of opportunities and experiences that are as rich as those of their peers".

In response, the academy said it will deliver further enhancements to its provision so that all students can access an increasing number of valuable enrichment opportunities.

'A huge testament to the hard work of our school community'

Principal Rehana Shafquat said: “We are delighted to have received such a glowing Ofsted report, which is a huge testament to the hard work of all our students, staff and school community.

“It is a privilege to lead our school and our community, which is delivering such brilliant outcomes for children and young people across the city.

"I really look forward to continuing to work closely with our excellent team of staff, the trust, our LGB and Trustees, families and the wider community as we build on this excellent inspection result.”

'We have invested over £500,000 in the academy'

Professor Khurshid Khan, chief executive officer of iExel Education Trust, said: “After first opening Bronte Girls’ Secondary Academy as a free school in 2019, we are absolutely thrilled with the outstanding journey that the academy has been on.

“We have invested a significant amount (over ~£500k) in the academy since its inception in order to create an inspiring, inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

"This has included developing high-spec learning zones, embedding state-of-the-art technology, and equipping our talented teaching staff and wider team members with training and opportunities which have enabled us to deliver the outstanding quality of education that Ofsted has recognised.

 “We would like to thank our entire school community for all their support and collaboration over the years."