OFSTED

Ofsted New Framework

BDAT have produced a document to explain the new Ofsted gradings on the PDF below.

ofsted inspection framework 2025 parent faq.pdf

Ofsted Inspection

The Academy at St. James was inspected on Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2026.

The report recognises the significant progress made under the current leadership and the positive impact this has had on pupils, staff and families.

Richard Crane - Interim Strategic Director of BMDC Children's services

Read our full BDAT press release in our news section. We are very proud for you to read through our comments and to read the report in full.

The report praises our strong standards in safeguarding, attendance and behaviour and our commitment to creating a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment throughout the school. It stresses how our pupils feel safe, respected and valued and that every pupil has a wide range of opportunity to develop their confidence, leadership skills and sense of belonging. 

This strong OFSTED inspection is another massive step forward for the Academy at St James, which wouldn't be possible without the amazing team who go above and beyond each day ensuring our students receive the support they need to thrive.

“I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the welcoming, inclusive and caring environment that makes The Academy at St James such a special place.”

Carol Dewhurst OBE, chief executive officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust

The Academy at St. James was previously inspected on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 5th May 2022.

OFSTED report

We are very proud for you to read our full OFSTED report.

ofsted report july 2026 143847 final.pdf

Highlights from the OFSTED report

Curriculum and Teaching

Leaders have an accurate view of the quality of the curriculum and teaching. The curriculum
has been designed and sequenced so that pupils build knowledge over time. Recent work in
some subject areas is having a positive impact on teaching and learning. For example, the
reorganisation of the reading curriculum has improved the teaching of important reading
skills. The impact of this is evident in the work that pupils produce and the reading skills they
develop.

Attendance and Behaviour

Attendance is a priority at this school. Leaders are tenacious in their approach to ensuring
pupils attend school regularly. They check attendance data carefully which enables them to
identify barriers to attendance swiftly. Staff develop positive relationships with families to be
able to offer timely attendance support. As a result of this, more pupils now attend school
regularly.

Early Years

Leaders prioritise the early years. They have a clear understanding of the strengths and
areas for improvement. The early years curriculum is carefully designed to ensure that all
children, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, can access it
successfully.

Inclusion

Leaders identify pupils' barriers to learning and/or wellbeing swiftly and accurately. Right
from the early years, staff use this information to understand the best way of working with
each pupil. They make adjustments to support pupils, such as visual timetables and choice
boards. Staff value input from parents and carers and work with specialists from outside of
the school when required. Pupils benefit from a carefully thought out approach. For
example, pupils who require high levels of support access a very bespoke curriculum with
personalised strategies. As a result, barriers to learning and wellbeing are reduced. This
means that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities access the curriculum
successfully and make progress from their starting points.

Leadership and Governance

Leaders work closely with the trust. Trust staff know the school well. They understand the
strengths of the school and what needs to improve. Leaders take appropriate steps to
strengthen provision where necessary, including seeking external support and challenge.

Personal development and Wellbeing

Leaders provide an inclusive and carefully planned personal development programme that
is designed to meet the needs of all pupils. Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences
to build their knowledge and confidence. They speak enthusiastically about trips to local
religious buildings and performing to audiences at events outside of school. Leaders offer
opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, take responsibility and contribute to
school life. Pupils talk proudly about being elected as members of the school council and
arranging charity fundraising events.

Ofsted QR code

Go directly to Ofsted's website and read this and previous reports.