Low pupil attendance a problem at city academy

Dixons Allerton Academy has been given a 'requires improvement' rating by Ofsted

Children at a secondary school recently inspected by Ofsted have "gaps" in their learning due to poor attendance.

A report published this week on Dixons Allerton Academy in Bradford gave the school a "requires improvement" rating.

Ofsted inspectors said after visiting in May that "many pupils do not attend school regularly" and that some teachers did not routinely address the subsequent gaps in their knowledge.

Dixons Allerton Academy was approached for comment but did not respond.

Lead inspector Steve Wren said: "Pupils who have good attendance in the secondary phase of this school do well.

"However, many pupils do not attend school regularly. These pupils can struggle to access the new learning that is being taught.

"The school does not identify and address gaps in their learning quickly enough."

The report added that "the school continues to face challenges as a result of the pandemic" and that "attendance overall is low".

'Inconsistent teaching'

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 absences from school and inconsistent teaching, some pupils have gaps in what they know and remember.

"This means that these pupils struggle in lessons, as they do not have the background knowledge to understand what is being taught."

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

This had led to a reduction in the proportion of pupils failing to attend school regularly, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Councillor 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 that they deserve, but this is about more than just schools.

"Many secondary aged pupils have had their education and socialisation severely disrupted by Covid, and are also often experiencing home lives impacted by the cost of living crisis."

In 2019 the all-through school was given a "good" rating by Ofsted.

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

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