Bradford Forster Academy
92%
Capacity
969
Pupils
1.4x
Demand
About Bradford Forster Academy
Bradford Forster Academy is a state-funded Church of England secondary school serving the Bradford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 969 pupils on roll and is well-filled (92% of 1,050 places).
Ofsted has rated Bradford Forster Academy "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Gemma Earles, it falls under Bradford local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.54 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 37.0. Additionally, ranked 2662nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 22nd out of 34 in Bradford.
Bradford Forster Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 251 applications for 186 places, making it 1.4x oversubscribed. Of these, 112 were first-preference applications.
Bradford Forster Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is below average, with 41% recommending the school (90 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Bradford Forster Academy include Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Astro Turf, Art Studios, Library, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Basketball, Badminton, Martial Arts and 4 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Science Club, Newspaper, Gardening and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 45.3%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Bradford, Bradford Forster Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Church of England |
| Address | Fenby Avenue, Bradford, Bradford, BD4 8RG |
| Headteacher | Gemma Earles |
| Local Authority | Bradford |
| Number of Pupils | 969 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 45.3% |
| School Capacity | 969 / 1,050 (92% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
11 Feb 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 15 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.54)
2662nd of 3,141
Nationally
248th of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
22nd of 34
In Bradford
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
90 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed186
251
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
112 families put this school as their 1st choice (45% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford Forster Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Fenby Avenue, Bradford
Bradford, BD4 8RG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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