Immanuel College, located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, has been recognized as a good school following its recent inspection on April 23 and 24, 2024. The headteacher, Stephen Mulligan, leads the school, which is part of the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust. The trust is overseen by CEO Carol Dewhurst and a board of trustees chaired by Theresa Mason. The school prides itself on being inclusive, fostering a strong sense of safety and happiness among its pupils. The Christian ethos is deeply embedded in the school's culture, promoting values such as perseverance, character, and hope.
The school maintains high expectations for all students, and while most pupils exhibit good behavior, there are instances of low-level disruption. However, teachers effectively manage these disruptions, ensuring minimal impact on learning. Pupils demonstrate a solid understanding of various faiths and beliefs, showing respect for one another despite differences. The curriculum includes age-appropriate relationships education, equipping students with knowledge on how to stay safe both online and in their communities.
Immanuel College prepares its pupils well for their future, with sixth-form students engaging in weekly enrichment activities, including professional qualifications and sports leadership. The head boy and girl expressed pride in their experiences at the school and enthusiasm for their future endeavors. Over the past two years, the school has undergone significant improvements, including changes in leadership and curriculum enhancements. The curriculum is ambitious and caters to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. An increasing number of students are now following the English Baccalaureate pathway, with opportunities to study separate sciences at key stage four.
The school has clearly defined the essential knowledge that pupils need to learn and has structured the curriculum to build this knowledge logically over time. Regular assessments allow teachers to address misconceptions promptly, and pupils are confident in discussing their learning journey. Recent outcomes at the end of key stage four were in line with national averages, although progress in subjects like mathematics and English was not as strong as desired. Conversely, subjects such as art saw particularly high achievement. Current pupils are making good progress, and sixth-form students excel, especially in applied general qualifications.
While the school effectively identifies pupils needing support in reading, it does not consistently monitor their progress, which hinders timely intervention. The school has a robust system for identifying pupils with special educational needs during their transition from primary school, and most of these pupils achieve well. However, a small number of pupils require additional support, and the school provides tailored timetables to meet their needs, resulting in good progress.
Attendance rates are below national averages, particularly among disadvantaged pupils, which affects their academic progress. The school has recently revised its attendance strategy and increased the capacity of its attendance team to address this issue, although it is too early to assess the impact of these changes. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, promoting pupils' broader development, and staff well-being is supported by school leaders. The local governing body and the trust work collaboratively with school leaders to enhance the quality of education.
The safeguarding arrangements at Immanuel College are effective, ensuring a safe environment for all pupils. The school is committed to improving attendance and achievement for disadvantaged pupils and to regularly monitoring the progress of those in the early stages of learning to read. Overall, Immanuel College continues to provide a good education, with a clear focus on improvement and the well-being of its pupils.
