The Academy at St. James, located in Allerton, Bradford, has received a positive inspection report, reflecting significant improvements since its previous evaluation. The school is characterized by a vibrant community where both pupils and staff express a strong sense of belonging and happiness. The school’s ethos, encapsulated in the slogan Aspire, Achieve, Believe, motivates students to engage actively in their education. Reading is emphasized throughout the curriculum, with pupils demonstrating enthusiasm and a solid understanding of the books they read, showcasing their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
The atmosphere within the school is calm and supportive, with pupils reporting that bullying is infrequent and handled promptly when it occurs. Teachers foster an environment where students feel comfortable discussing their feelings, promoting kindness as a core value. The curriculum is well-structured, ensuring that knowledge is built progressively from early years through to Year 6. Leaders have carefully designed the curriculum to include a diverse range of fiction and non-fiction texts, enhancing the learning experience.
Leadership at the Academy is recognized as outstanding, with leaders and staff committed to providing an engaging educational experience. They engage in honest self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for improvement, and they prioritize professional development for staff to meet both individual and collective needs. Subject leaders are passionate about their areas, creating detailed plans that focus on essential knowledge retention and revisiting previously learned material. Initiatives like Flashback Friday encourage pupils to recall and apply their learning effectively.
The school excels in physical education, offering a comprehensive curriculum complemented by a variety of extracurricular activities. The reading curriculum is particularly strong, with a focus on ensuring that all children read confidently and enjoyably. The special educational needs coordinator is dedicated to supporting pupils with additional needs, fostering high aspirations and providing tailored support.
In the early years, the learning environment is stimulating and encourages communication and interaction among pupils. The school promotes understanding of diverse beliefs and perspectives, preparing students for life in modern Britain. Opportunities for trips and community engagement are abundant, allowing pupils to explore and discuss various viewpoints respectfully.
Behaviour standards are high, with pupils demonstrating politeness and respect. The school adopts a positive approach to behaviour management, ensuring that pupils are engaged in their learning throughout the day. While attendance is generally good, some pupils face challenges with persistent absence, which the school is actively addressing through collaboration with families.
Parents express overwhelming satisfaction with the school, appreciating the supportive and caring environment provided by the staff. Governors are knowledgeable and work closely with the headteacher to uphold the school’s vision, offering guidance and support during changes and developments.
The safeguarding arrangements are effective, with a dedicated team ensuring that all staff are trained and equipped to keep pupils safe. Leaders are proactive in addressing the needs of vulnerable pupils and work diligently with external agencies to provide necessary support.
To further enhance the school’s effectiveness, leaders are encouraged to ensure consistent assessment practices across all subjects, similar to those in English and mathematics. Additionally, continued efforts to reduce persistent absences will help ensure that all pupils benefit fully from the curriculum. Overall, the Academy at St. James is a thriving educational institution that prioritizes the well-being and development of its pupils.
