Consultation on the closure of our Post-16 provision

A consultation is proposed on the closure of the Post 16 at Dixons Broadgreen Academy, which will result in a change to the admissions arrangements for the academy.

Reasons for closure

Broadgreen International School was judged to be inadequate by Ofsted in 2018, and we were delighted that Ofsted judged the school to be good in four out of five key areas in October 2024.  This improvement, since becoming a Dixons school, is a great achievement brought about by the staff team who, with the support of the local community, have made huge improvements in the 11-16 phase of the school.

Unfortunately, in the last few years sixth form numbers have steadily decreased and are no longer viable. Recruitment into Year 12 ceased in 2025 as numbers have fallen below the level that is needed to offer appropriate study programmes.  In addition, the retention rates and outcomes for both A levels and applied courses have been significantly below the Liverpool average figures. There are no courses offered at Dixons Broadgreen sixth form that are not offered elsewhere in the city.

We have therefore taken the decision to phase out sixth form provision at Dixons Broadgreen Academy and focus our energies on improving the 11-16 phase of the school.

The planned change will come into effect from September 2026. As there is no planned recruitment into Year 12, this does not have an operational effect. However, this consultation is to change the status of the school from 11-18 to 11-16 to better reflect the focus and successful work that is being undertaken.

Considerations

The current sixth form provision at Dixons Broadgreen is a net liability to the whole school, its removal would mean more resources are available for the 11-16 phase of the school.

Data to support the proposal

The decline in student numbers since 2021 is shown in the table below, numbers provided are as of the Autumn census date.  These numbers include students where an element of their study programme is delivered by external providers.

Other requirements

Subject to the outcome of the consultation, an application to make a significant change will be made.

In addition to this, an application to vary the admissions arrangements for September 2026 will be submitted.  This will involve the removal of the following information from the admissions arrangements.

Consultation period and comments

The consultation will run from Monday 17 November 2025 to Sunday 28 December 2025.

Those who do not have access to the internet can request a paper copy of this document by contacting the academy directly or our Trust Admissions Office:

E-mail:  admissions@dixonsta.com

Telephone:  01274 089780 – option 7

Comments on the proposed admissions arrangements should be made before Monday 29 December 2025. 

You can submit comments via the online form.  If you wish to submit comments by e-mail or post, please include the name of the academy they relate to and send them to:

• E-mail: admissions@dixonsta.com

• Post: Admissions, c/o Lewis Building, Dixons City Academy, Ripley Street, Bradford, BD5 7RR