After more than a decade of challenges, failed interventions, and financial turmoil, Hanson Academy in Bradford has achieved a remarkable turnaround—earning a ‘good’ rating in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection.
The school, formerly known as Hanson Grammar, had languished in educational limbo since receiving an academy order back in 2011. For years, it remained stuck with repeated ‘inadequate’ ratings, rejected by trusts unwilling to take it on, and left with a crippling multi-million-pound deficit. But its fortunes changed dramatically after it joined the Delta Academies Trust in 2022.
A Remarkable Reversal
Describing the transformation, Delta Academies Trust CEO Paul Tarn said, “This was the most broken school in the country—nobody wanted to take it on. Now, it’s a model of success. We bring visitors here to see what’s possible.”
The school had gone more than a decade without finding a permanent trust sponsor. In that time, around 1,500 pupils attended the school, with many facing poor outcomes due to the ongoing instability. Three different trusts had stepped in temporarily but later withdrew, leaving the school with no long-term support.
Years of Struggle
Hanson’s last full Ofsted inspection in 2020 again found the school to be ‘inadequate’. At the time, inspectors raised serious concerns about low attendance rates, repeated exclusions, and persistent behavioral issues. Meanwhile, the school had racked up a £5.4 million deficit. The local authority eventually absorbed the financial burden and also paid around £1.3 million to terminate a problematic facilities contract that had discouraged potential sponsors.
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New Leadership, New Results
Following its conversion to academy status under Delta Academies Trust in 2022, Hanson saw sweeping changes. In April 2025, its first Ofsted inspection under the new management rated the school ‘good’ in all categories—a first in the school’s history.
According to the yet-to-be-published report, students now feel more positive about their school experience. Inspectors highlighted a more inclusive atmosphere, significant improvements in attendance, and a renewed sense of ambition and support for students’ personal development.
While acknowledging that some older pupils still face gaps in knowledge due to past disruptions, inspectors praised the school’s current curriculum as “ambitious.” Although overall academic outcomes remain below national averages, the new leadership has implemented meaningful changes to address historical issues.
Investing in a Fresh Start
Paul Tarn revealed that the trust eliminated 480 redundant staff periods—saving around £1 million—and invested heavily in infrastructure and student welfare. This included:
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£1 million on IT upgrades
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£340,000 on site security and perimeter fencing
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£400,000 annually to place students who had never attended school before into appropriate alternative provisions
“We gave these students a tailored educational offer that suited their needs,” said Tarn.
A Beacon of Hope
Now hailed as a “school of choice” in the local area, Hanson Academy serves as a powerful example of how targeted investment, strong leadership, and perseverance can turn around even the most struggling institutions.
“What we’ve achieved here shows what can be done,” Tarn said. “Hanson is no longer the school everyone avoided. It’s a symbol of hope for other communities dealing with similar challenges.”
