Belle Vue Girls’ Academy in Bradford has been praised by Ofsted for creating a school culture where inclusion, equality and personal development sit at the centre of daily life – with inspectors awarding the academy the coveted ‘Strong’ standard for Personal Development and Well-being.
The judgement, reserved for schools that go beyond expectations, recognises “excellent and consistent work that makes a real difference for children and learners”, placing Belle Vue Girls’ among those delivering not only academic progress but a wider, deeply supportive experience for young people.
Inspectors said the Heaton-based secondary school was “committed to enriching pupils’ lives”, highlighting an ethos where diversity is celebrated and respect shapes relationships throughout the school.
“A respect for equality spreads through all aspects of the school’s work,” the report noted, praising high standards of behaviour and the way pupils support one another and engage positively with staff.
While Belle Vue Girls’ was previously rated Good in all areas in 2021, the latest inspection also confirmed that the academy securely met the ‘Expected’ standard across every other category, including Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching, Attendance and Behaviour, Leadership and Governance, Inclusion, and Post-16 Provision.
Inspectors described a calm and focused learning environment where pupils value both their education and the support they receive.
“Pupils achieve well… acquiring valuable knowledge and skills across many areas of the curriculum,” the report stated. “They secure foundations that prepare them effectively for GCSE study.”
Inclusion – a newly expanded focus in the 2025 Ofsted framework – was identified as a priority for school leaders, with inspectors noting that staff understand the barriers some pupils face and ensure vulnerable learners receive targeted support.
Safeguarding was also judged to be securely met, with Ofsted describing an “open culture” in which responsibility is shared across the school community and pupils feel safe.
The inspection took place in November 2025, during the first week of Ofsted’s revised national framework – a more demanding model introduced to raise expectations across England’s schools. Belle Vue Girls’ was one of only three schools in Yorkshire inspected in that opening week.
Deborah Anness, headteacher at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, said the outcome reflected years of dedication from staff and students.
“The new Ofsted framework sets very high standards,” she said. “To meet the expected standards in all areas, with personal development recognised as a significant strength, provides real assurance to parents that we are offering a high-quality education.”
Carol Dewhurst OBE, chief executive of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, said being among the first schools inspected under the new system added to the significance of the result.
“Ofsted has made clear this framework raises the bar,” she said. “I’m proud Belle Vue not only met these standards but did so in a way that reflects its essence as an ambitious, inclusive school.”
Belle Vue Girls’ Academy is part of Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, a regional family of 21 schools supporting pupils across Bradford and beyond, with a mission to ensure every child has the chance to flourish.
