Dixons Cottingley Academy
About Dixons Cottingley Academy
Dixons Cottingley Academy is a mixed, non-denominational secondary school in Bradford for pupils aged 11 to 16. It currently has 862 pupils against a capacity of 900, meaning it is operating very close to full. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 35%, which is significantly higher than the national average and reflects the school's role in serving a local community with above-average levels of disadvantage. Demand for places is strong: for entry in 2025/26, the school received 429 applications for 180 places, an oversubscription ratio of 2.38 to one. Of those, 103 were first-preference applications, and 99 first-preference offers were made, indicating that the school is a popular first choice for many families in the area. The school is led by headteacher Francesca Hitch and was rated Good by Ofsted following its most recent graded inspection in November 2022.
Key Details
The full report on this school
The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
15 Nov 2022Source: Ofsted, 12 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dixons Cottingley 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
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications