Classpot

Bradford Forster Academy

Bradford, BD4 8RGSecondaryAges 11–16MixedState
Ofsted Inspection
Ofsted inspected
4 Requires improvement
Feb 2025
Progress 8
-0.54
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.6×
Not oversubscribed
112 1st-choice / 186 places
Ranking
#2,662
of 3,141 nationally

About Bradford Forster Academy

Just over two in five parents who responded to Ofsted’s Parent View survey would recommend Bradford Forster Academy, with 41% saying yes and 59% saying no. That split reflects a divided parent body, and the detail behind it is worth looking at. On the positive side, 79% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their child can take part in clubs and activities, and 79% also felt there was a good range of subjects available. But on trickier questions, the picture is more mixed: only 49% agreed that their child is happy at the school, and just 34% felt that bullying is dealt with quickly and effectively. The school was oversubscribed for 2025/26 entry, with 251 applications for 186 places — a ratio of 1.35 applicants per place — and 112 first-preference offers were made. That suggests enough local demand to fill the school, even if the parent experience signals are not uniformly positive.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 16 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterChurch of England
AddressFenby Avenue, Bradford, Bradford, BD4 8RG
HeadteacherGemma Earles
Local AuthorityBradford
Number of Pupils969
Free School Meals (FSM)45.3%
School Capacity969 / 1,050 (92% full)

The full report on this school

What 90 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

11 Feb 2025
View Report
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Requires improvement
Personal Development
Requires improvement
Leadership & Management
Requires improvement

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.

Source: Ofsted, 15 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

8
GymnasiumMusic RoomsAstro TurfArt StudiosLibraryTennis CourtsSixth Form CentreChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

HockeyBasketballBadmintonMartial ArtsRoundersSwimmingGymnasticsFootball

Clubs & Activities

OrchestraScience ClubNewspaperGardeningChessChoirYoung EnterpriseDramaEco ClubFilm Club

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford Forster Academy

Bradford Forster Academy has been rated "Requires Improvement" by Ofsted. This means the school is not yet good, but inspectors believe it can improve with the right support and changes.