Form

Form Programme

Our form curriculum is inclusive and aims to equip all students with respect, resilience, responsibility, and skills that allow them to succeed in a rapidly changing society. We value a holistic approach to educating the whole person with a focus on spiritual, moral, social and cultural education (SMSC). Our curriculum offers a breadth of opportunities and experience in conjunction with high quality pastoral care leading to personal and character development. It aims to ensure all students are included and supported to reach their potential. This is further supported by a dedicated RSE team which alongside the form tutor deliver a quality PHSE programme to all learners.

Learners take part in a form programme which includes, rituals, PHSE, Assemblies and personal development. At the start of each day learners will participate in collective worship as part of their form / year group when in assembly. Collective Worship is led by different members of staff who can talk about different themes, events or awareness days, to give learners an opportunity to develop aspects of spirituality by exploring and reflecting on these social, cultural, and moral events / issues in society.

Rituals

Rituals engages learning in bi-weekly votes for schools and circle time, whilst analysing their attendance data. Attendance data is visited every week with learners given the opportunity to reflect upon their personal data, with actions drawn as a result. Votes for schools considers the national landscape and world news. Democracy is at the heart of votes for schools and allows learners to contribute their thoughts and opinions to other learners across the country.  Circle time challenges learners to discuss topics provided by the head of year. Topics are reactive and prescribed to address both local and national matters.

All of which creates an environment where learners can reflect, improve, and voice opinions within a safe and supportive environment.

Collective Worship/Assemblies

Learners across years 7 – 11 take part in collective worship/assembly every week. This is led by their head of year, with regular guest speakers invited to speak to each year group. Celebration, worship and community is at its core, with key messages shared, such as the weekly worship theme, attendance, reward, form competitions, and themes building upon the form programme.

Personal Development

The form programme followed by year group has personal development at its core, with key areas identified as themes running through each year group. Learners embark on a journey of personal development starting in year 7, and build upon each theme as they complete year 11.

You can see this journey by reading the PD progressions map below.

PD Progressions Map

PHSE

As part of the Form Programme, we deliver a PSHE curriculum that covers modules including Health and Wellbeing, Relationships Education, Citizenship and Living in the Wider World (including Careers and Financial education). For more information about this provision please click on the PHSE link below.

PHSE

Each year group have a dedicated head of year and pastoral support worker, working to offer a form programme that is broad, balanced and flexible. We accept that we are preparing learners for jobs that do not yet exist using technologies that haven’t yet been invented. Therefor CEIAG plays a central role in developing learners that is not simply exam results focused. We aim to ensure learners are prepared for future steps in key stages, further education, employment, training and beyond.

Please see click on the headings below to meet the heads of year and the vision that surrounds each year group.

Head of Year 7 – Mr M Gereadts – Teacher of Maths

Born and raised in Canada, I moved to the United Kingdom and started work at Bradford Academy in September 2017 after finishing my teaching qualifications at university. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, as well as a Bachelor’s degree of Education from Queen’s University, in Kingston Ontario. I started work at Bradford Academy as a teacher of Mathematics and Music. I have a deep passion for both of these subjects which were a large part of my own secondary school experience and made up a large part of why I wanted to become a teacher.

Since 2020, I have taken on the role of Head of Year and Transition Lead. My passion as a Head of Year is to help students achieve the most they can out of their educational experience through academic achievement, social development, and extra curricular opportunities. I believe students learn best when they feel they are part of a community and are given opportunities to explore what they are passionate about. My hope is that through this, students will develop as well-rounded individuals capable of taking on life’s challenges and be able to succeed in whatever path they choose to take.

Year 7 Vision

Year 7 can be both an exciting, and daunting, year for our learners as they start a new chapter in their academic life. In year 7, there are two areas of focus to help students achieve as much as possible as they start this new phase of their development. The first focus is on helping students transition effectively into secondary school life, and the second is helping them to build their own identity.

Transition: The effective transition into secondary school is crucial to help students succeed to their full potential in secondary school. Our form program, pastoral support and head of year support helps students to build crucial life skills of responsibility, resilience, and respect, as well as adapt to the routines and expectations of secondary school life.

Building Identity: As students start this new chapter of their educational journey and begin to adapt to secondary school life, it is a chance for them to begin to explore what subjects they are most interested in, and what they value as individuals. In Year 7 we provide students with exposure to a wide range of topics and interests through extra-curricular activities and our form program. This allows students the chance to explore new things and start to look to what they are interested in doing in the future.

Head of Year 8 – Miss M Thibault – Teacher of English

Born and raised in Canada, I moved to the United Kingdom and started working at Bradford Academy in 2019, shortly after finishing my teaching qualifications. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University, in North Bay Ontario.

I joined Bradford Academy as a teacher of English, where I introduced the Inference Intervention programme in 2024 to support learners with their reading comprehension skills. My passion for English was ignited during my own school years, and I am deeply committed to inspiring that same love of learning in my students. I strive to make a meaningful difference in their lives by creating a secure, inclusive, and academically ambitious environment where every learner feels empowered to grow.

This year marks my first as Head of Year, and I am excited to support students not only in their academic pursuits but also in their personal development. I aim to foster a strong sense of community and belonging, while providing opportunities that help students become confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals. Above all, I want every student to feel valued and to leave school with a lifelong passion for learning and the belief that they can shape their own future.

Year 8 Vision

In Year 8, students are encouraged to strive for personal and academic growth, embrace ambition, and set a positive example for others. This pivotal year provides an opportunity for students to take on greater responsibility and play an active role in shaping the school community.

Personal Development: Building essential skills such as resilience, independence, responsibility, and maturity to navigate challenges and prepare for future success.

Leadership and Role Modelling: Setting a strong example for incoming Year 7 students by demonstrating kindness, integrity, and a commitment to excellence as school ambassadors.

This vision empowers Year 8 students to make the most of their potential while contributing meaningfully to the school environment and community.

Head of Year 9 – Mr R. Ratcliffe – Teacher of 3D Art

Originally from Birkenhead, Merseyside, I moved to Yorkshire in 1993 to study for a Design Degree at Leeds Metropolitan University. I worked for a few years within the engineering industry until I gained a PGCE from Sheffield Hallam University. I started my teaching journey in 2004 working as a Design and Technology Teacher at Bradford Cathedral Community College. I held several posts at this school when in 2007, the school closed and became Bradford Academy. Design and Technology is the subject I fell in love with when I was at school and the main reason I wanted to teach. I can remember my teachers inspired me to be as creative as possible and embrace failure as you can learn so much from your initial mistakes.

I believe students learn best when they feel safe and are involved with engaging lessons to help instil their love of learning.  I have a great affiliation with our school and the local area. My ambition for our students is that they enjoy their time at our fantastic school leaving to be well rounded individuals, proud of themselves, their achievements and of this great city.

Year 9 Vision

Year 9 can be a pivotal year for our learners, this is all about exploration the year they start to shape their futures by exploring careers and choosing their options going into Year 10. The vision for Year 9 is to inspire students to explore a variety of career options and begin to shape their future paths.

Finding your pathway: The biggest focus for this year is the options process, this exciting process allows the learners to decide what GCSE subjects they would like to start in Year 10. Throughout the year learners are given opportunities to discover their strengths, interests, and potential career aspirations through hands-on experiences, career-focused learning, and guidance from industry professionals. This is done through educational visits, external speakers and the form programme. Learners then complete a taster day in the different options they are considering for Year 10, this is followed by a parent’s information evening which allows the learners to have support in making decisions about their future.

Explore: Learners explore careers, job opportunities and further education through the form programme. Byexposing students to different fields and possibilities, Year 9 aims to equip them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their educational and professional journeys ahead.

Head of Year 10 – Mr W Clarke – Teacher of PE

My passion for sport began early, inspired by playing football and exceptional PE teachers. By 17, I had earned my FA Level 1 Coaching Badge, NPLQ, and Swimming Instructor qualification. An injury during my semi-professional football career led me to pursue a BSc in Sports Coaching at Northumbria University. After graduating, I returned to Leeds, teaching swimming and working in the leisure industry, where I discovered my true calling—teaching and supporting young people.

I completed my PGCE at Leeds Beckett University and joined Bradford Academy in 2016 as a PE teacher and Head of the Sporting Elite Programme. I developed this initiative to help students excel in both academics and athletics. Additionally, I led the school’s first overseas football tours to PSV (2022) and Real Madrid (2024), creating invaluable experiences for learners.

My leadership fosters high expectations, collaboration, and inclusivity. Through partnerships with organisations like Leeds United, I’ve secured elite coaching and volunteer opportunities. I am passionate about inspiring young minds, fostering positive relationships, and providing learners with opportunities they may never have imagined possible. My commitment to the success of Bradford Academy and its community drives everything I do.

Year 10 Vision

As Year 10 students navigate the challenges of GCSE content and prepare for their final year of secondary education, my ambition is to ensure that every student feels supported, confident, and motivated to reach their full potential. Year 10 is a crucial time for both academic and personal growth, and it is essential that learners understand the importance of building strong foundations now, not only for their exams but for life beyond school.

Transition: The transition from KS3 to KS4 is a significant milestone for students, marking the shift from a more generalised curriculum to one that is more individualised based on the learners’ interests. The form programme is designed to ensure learners are prepared for the changes in their curriculum as well as the demands of their GCSEs. This period is crucial, as it sets the foundation for their academic journey, and prepares them for life after Bradford Academy.

Responsibility and Independence: Year 10 marks the start of students becoming more responsible for their own learning and progress. The form programme will guide and encourage students to take ownership of their studies, plan their time effectively, and seek help when necessary. Developing this sense of responsibility will not only prepare them for their GCSEs but also equip them with the skills they need for future education or employment.

Head of Year 11 – Mr H Fox – Teacher of PE

I graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2014 with a degree in Sport, Physical Activity and Health. I then furthered my professional qualifications by obtaining a PGCE in secondary Physical Education at Huddersfield University in 2018.

I began my teaching career in 2018 at Bradford Academy, where I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. As a teacher of Physical Education and Head of Year, I take great pride in helping students build the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to succeed.

I welcomed the responsibility of been a Head of Year as I am passionate about supporting students in their journey towards achievement and personal development. I want to ensure that students not only achieve their academic goals but also have the opportunities and support to explore their futures and prepare for the wider world.

Year 11 Vision

At Bradford Academy, our vision for Year 11 is to empower learners to reach their full potential, guided by the core values of respect, responsibility, and resilience.

Living out the school vision: We encourage our students to respect themselves, their peers, and the wider community, fostering a positive and supportive environment. As they prepare for their GCSEs, we expect them to take responsibility for their learning, manage their time effectively, and strive for excellence. Resilience will be key as they navigate challenges, learn from setbacks, and remain determined in their pursuit of success.

Equip: Our goal extends beyond exam results—we aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and character needed for life after Bradford Academy. Whether they choose further education, vocational training, or employment, we are committed to helping them build a strong foundation for a future filled with opportunity.

Destinations: Year 11 is a crucial stage in their journey, and with respect, responsibility, and resilience at the core of everything they do, we believe our learners will rise to the challenge and achieve their ambitions.