Consultation on the closure of our Post-16 provision

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

Reasons for closure

In 2019 when Dixons Sixth Form Academy and Bradford New College opened, our trust initially chose to keep sixth form provision open at Dixons Allerton Academy.

Since then, numbers in the sixth form at Dixons Allerton have steadily decreased and are no longer viable.  In addition, the majority of sixth form students currently at Dixons Allerton Academy take applied courses and retention rate and outcomes for these courses have been below the city average for the last five consecutive years.  There are no courses offered at Dixons Allerton Academy that are not offered elsewhere in our city.

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

The planned change will come into effect from September 2026 meaning that no new students will be recruited to the sixth form.  Any existing students will complete their course of study in July 2026, following which the sixth form will close.

Considerations

The current Sixth Form provision at Dixons Allerton Academy is a net liability to the whole school, its removal would mean more resources are available for the primary and secondary phases 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.

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, and subsequent information regarding Post 16 that appears within the in-year admissions and waiting list and appeals sections.

Consultation period and comments

The consultation will run from Monday 10 November 2025 to Sunday 21 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 22 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