The short version
Average GCSE results. Nearly full.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 44.5 vs national 43.8)
- This is a Roman Catholic school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
- The school is nearly full at 92% capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
44.5
0.7 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
45%
3.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
9%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.18
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
92%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
89%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 284 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
23% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 155 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Roman Catholic
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,794
- Capacity
- 92%
- FSM
- 26%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bradford
- Trust
- BLESSED CHRISTOPHER WHARTON CATHOLIC ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Lawrence Bentley
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksAcademy conversion letter
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Highgate, Heaton, Bradford, BD9 4BQ
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmMiriam Lord Community Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Miriam Lord Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Bradford Girls' Grammar School
Secondary · 1.4km away
Girlington Primary School
Primary · 1.5km away
Islamic Tarbiyyah Preparatory School
Independent · 1.5km away
St Edmund's Nursery School & Children's Centre
Nursery · 1.5km away
Whetley Academy
Primary · 1.6km away
Iqra Primary Academy
Primary · 1.6km away
Questions parents ask
Is St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy a selective school?
No. St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy?
St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy currently has 1,794 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy take?
St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy?
St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy is in Bradford, BD9 4BQ, in the Bradford local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, St Bede's and St Joseph's Catholic College, A Voluntary Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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