Bradford: Poor attendance is a problem at the city’s academy

Mr Wren’s comments added: “A significant group of pupils in the secondary phase of the school attend very poorly.

“As a result of previous school absences and inconsistent teaching, some students have gaps in what they know and remember.

“This means these students are struggling in lessons because they don’t have the basic knowledge to understand what is being taught.”

Inspectors noted that the academy had recently revised its attendance protocols and the number of home visits carried out by staff had increased significantly.

This has led to a reduction in the proportion of students not attending school regularly, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Councilor Sinead Engel, who represents the Bradford Council ward of Clayton and Fairweather Green, said: “It’s a tragedy that so many young people are missing out on the education they deserve, but it’s about more than just schools.

“Many secondary school students have had their education and socialization severely affected by Covid and are also often dealing with home lives affected by the cost of living crisis.”

In 2019 the comprehensive school was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The former school in Rhodesway was granted academy status in 2009 after spending two inspection periods in special measures, and became part of Dixons Academies Trust.

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