A Shipley based primary school has been applauded for their aspirational and caring approach and advocacy of their local community and students.

Christ Church Academy, located on Wrose Brow Road in Shipley, took part in a highly successful SIAMS inspection in July 2024, in which inspectors recognised a school where “care for vulnerable pupils and their families is exemplary”. Inspectors commented on how the primary school has “created a dynamic, life transforming culture” within school which meant “pupils have extensive opportunities to overcome barriers to learning and fulfil their potential”.

The Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School (SIAMS) evaluates a school against a rigorous set of questions to ensure that they are effective in living up to their foundation as a church school. Christ Church was deemed to be effective against every area of the framework.

The positive inspection outcome is unsurprising recognition of a school which puts nurture and care at its very heart. Inspectors noted “Teaching encompasses the schools CCA way: Compassion, Community and Achievement” which “creates a purposeful learning environment where pupils make personal and academic growth, believing in their own value”. In addition, “Access to teaching is of paramount importance to teachers and staff who diligently promote the “extraordinary worth of all”.

In the report leaders at Christ Church Academy were described “as aspirational and steadfast in their passion to be advocates for their diverse community” and praised for their work to “empower and equip students to make a difference within their school and local community”. Pupil’s social activity was praised including local litter picking, fund-raising discos and support for a local homeless charity. Inspectors noted how “Pupils understand how their actions can make a positive difference” and praised students for being “confidently engaged with, and (able to) initiate positive change within their local area”.

During their time at the school Inspectors also reviewed the quality of the schools religious education curriculum, noting the opportunities it provided to “learn about and reflect on a range of religions and world views”. Inspectors noted how “Pupils including the most vulnerable and those who need additional help with their learning, flourish in RE”.


The report also recognised the positive impact of support and additional capacity from Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust who work in partnership with the school in “ensuring the vision is lived out strategically and operationally thus shaping pupils’ rich experiences”.

The publication of the report comes at a time when the school is celebrating the reopening of it’s nurture provision following an extensive refurbishment. Nurture and providing specialist support to those children with additional needs is an important reflection of the caring ethos of Christ Church Academy. Opening this September, the newly refurbed provision boasts a sensory room in addition to providing spaces for children to explore and develop their social and emotional skills as well as supporting their learning across the curriculum.


Headteacher Philippa Foster said:
“We are delighted that this report recognises our passion and dedication to give children the personal skills and support that they need to be successful learners. Teaching our children that they are valued and have the ability to impact positively on the world around them is at the heart of everything we do. We are so proud of our happy and confident children”.


Carol Dewhurst OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, added:
“This report is fantastic validation of the Christ Church Way, highlighting how the school supports every child academically and pastorally to be the best they can be. Well done to every staff member and student who day in and day out makes Christ Church a very special place to go to school”.


Christ Church Academy is a one form primary school based on Wrose Brow Road in Shipley and includes nursery provision for children from 3 years old. Christ Church is part of the successful Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust which leads a family of 15 primaries and 5 secondaries across the region to deliver high quality education within the context of Christian belief and practice.