Bradford Girls’ Grammar School Attains ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating After Challenging Period

A Bradford school has demonstrated improvement since its most recent Ofsted assessment, notwithstanding a period described as “turbulent.” Bradford Girls’ Grammar School received an Ofsted rating of “requires improvement” in July 2022, attributed in part to issues with pupil behaviour. An earlier inspection conducted in 2019 had similarly deemed the school “inadequate” because of safeguarding concerns. A recent Ofsted inspection determined that students at the institution were “achieving” at a higher level than previously, resulting in a “good” rating, which marks the first time it has received this assessment since 2015. Ofsted stated, “The school has been through a turbulent time since the previous inspection.” The inspection body further noted: “The school has joined Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, the primary and secondary school have separated from each other, staff turnover has been high, and a new leadership team is in place. Despite this turbulence the school has continued to improve. Pupils are achieving better than they were.” In 2022, Ofsted had identified that “for secondary-age pupils behaviour in lessons is not dealt with consistently by some teachers” and that “lessons are affected by this.” Two years prior to that assessment, the school had been instructed that its safeguarding practices required modification. A report from that time specified: “Urgently amend safeguarding practice, so that all allegations about staff of a safeguarding nature are handled in accordance with statutory guidance and all necessary actions are taken.” Since 2022, safeguarding measures have been effective, and currently, all aspects of the school, encompassing behaviour and attitudes, have received a “good” rating. Caroline Foster, the headteacher of Bradford Girls’ Grammar School, commented: “We are pleased that Ofsted recognised how special our school is and how everyone is working tirelessly to ensure that the girls receive an exceptional all round education. Our girls our phenomenal and they should be extremely proud of this achievement.”