"Pupils know they belong" Ofsted Praises Academy at St James

‘Pupils Know They Belong’: Ofsted Praises Academy at St James for Strong Student Behaviour and Inclusive Ethos

Following their inspection under the new Ofsted framework in July 2026, The Academy at St James, which is part of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, is celebrating a highly positive report which recognises the significant strengths and successes of the academy.

Inspectors praise pupils' behaviour, attendance, inclusivity and the school's welcoming environment, with children described as feeling safe, valued and ready to learn.

The academy is particularly proud to have met the ‘Strong’ standard for Attendance and Behaviour, meaning that they go above the expected, “marking out excellent and consistent work that makes a real difference for children and learners”. Pupils in particular were praised with inspectors noting that “pupil behaviour reflects the school’s high expectations” and they “take pride in their work and show positive attitudes to learning”.

The inspection report praises the school as being “warmly welcoming”, praising the academy’s inclusive ethos, celebration of diversity, high standards of behaviour, and the respect pupils show for each other and for adults. The report comments “Pupils enjoy coming to school because they know that they belong and that they are safe”.  The report also highlights how “leaders and staff prioritise getting to know the children and their families.”

The academy, which was rated Good in 2022, is also proud to have securely met the ‘Expected’ standard for a number of other areas including Personal Development and Wellbeing, Curriculum and Teaching, Inclusion, and Leadership and Governance.  This means the academy is doing absolutely everything it should be doing to deliver a high quality of education in these areas.

The report does highlight how the school needs to continue to work with children and their families to further push the number of children who reach national standards at the end of Year 6.  The reports states that “pupils enjoy learning…although many children achieve well, some have gaps in their knowledge.”  The report does acknowledge that “leaders have correctly identified achievement as an area that requires further development…their actions are at an early stage and therefore the impact of them can not be fully measured.”

Within the report there is recognition of the quality of education the academy provides, with the report noting the calm and focused learning environment, pupils’ attention and focus in lessons, and the care and attention that every child receives.  “Leaders care deeply about the school and the community it serves. 

Warm relationships help children settle quickly…children respond well to the high expectations that staff have of them and the familiar routines that are in place.”

Inclusion, a new focus under the 2025 framework was also credited at The Academy at St James with inspectors writing “The school has an inclusive ethos.  Leaders consider individual barriers to learning and put the right support in place to reduce them.  This results in positive academic progress and full involvement in school life.”

Safeguarding was also deemed securely “met” with inspectors praising the “open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility” concluding “pupils are made safer (at school) and feel safe”.

The report highlights the improvement in children’s attendance and behaviour.  “Staff develop positive relationships with families…as a result, more pupils now attend school regularly.  Pupil’s behaviour reflects the school’s high expectations.  Pupils take pride in their work and show positive attitudes to learning…they show respect, courtesy and care towards each other and towards adults.”

During their two-day visit, inspectors thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the academy’s work, including observing teaching and reviewing pupils’ work, speaking with students and staff, and meeting with senior leaders and representatives of the Governing Board and Trust.

Ruthi Thompson, Headteacher at The Academy at St James, said:  

“We are delighted to share the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection with our school community. The new Ofsted framework sets very high standards, and the inspection was rigorous and thorough. To securely meet the ‘Expected’ standards in all but one area, with Attendance and Behaviour recognised as a significant strength, is incredibly pleasing and provides assurance to parents that The Academy at St James is providing a high quality of education for their children.  We are incredibly proud of our school and are thrilled that the report recognises and celebrates our strengths, success and our dedication to our students.  We are especially proud that our school has been recognised as having an inclusive ethos and highlights the strong relationships that we have with our community”   

Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:  

"I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised the welcoming, inclusive and caring environment that makes The Academy at St James such a special place. The report reflects the commitment of our staff, the positive attitudes of our pupils and the strong relationships with families. We are proud of what has been achieved and could not ask for a better start to the new academic year."

The Academy at St James is a primary school located in Allerton, Bradford. The academy is part of the successful Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust which leads a family of sixteen primary schools and five secondary schools across the region to deliver high quality education within the context of Christian belief and practice. BDAT is a forward-thinking, professional learning community that is dedicated to the development of excellence in learning, both for our pupils and for the adults who serve and teach them.

Read our report

ofstead report 2026 qr code.pdf