Why we love Dixons Unity

Stakeholder Feedback

"Thank you so much for your time earlier today.  It was great to visit Dixons Unity, to tour the school and to see, first-hand, the work the team have done in establishing positive culture across the school.  There is a genuine sense of warmth throughout the school; leaders and staff clearly have high expectations of students, and of each other.  The relationships on show within the Connect provision, supported a calm and purposeful environment within a provision that clearly serves some very vulnerable young people.  The school felt calm and orderly; I felt a sense of purpose and respect throughout the building. 

The visit to the community hub (Unity Community) was a joy!  The passion from Sarah and her team shone through, delivering what is clearly a beacon within the local community; there was a tangible sense of belonging.  I will certainly take several strands of learning from this provision into my work within our school in the North-West."

Christian Wilcocks, Chief Executive Officer at Omega Multi-Academy Trust, February 2025

“DUA is an impressive school. The journey of school improvement that has been undertaken has been undertaken with the community at the heart of improvement. The high challenge and high support approach has meant that the results have been sustained, but there is a collective drive from staff at all tiers to ensure that the current success is just the beginning. Staff talk with passion in respect of the changes that have been undertaken at DUA and the difference it has made to pupils, staff and the community. It was a genuine pleasure to see the progress that has been made at DUA. Thank you for the taking time to show us around the school”.

Jason Kenneally, Director of Secondary Education at Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust, January 2025

"It was very clear from my visit that a lot has been achieved at DUA in short period of time. The journey of that improvement has been inspired by strong yet compassionate leadership and based on high aspirations for both students and staff. The work that has been done to engage with the wider community is inspirational and I am sure will go from strength to strength. Thank you for an enjoyable morning."

Andrew Taylor, Headteacher at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College, January 2025

"Thank you for hosting our visit to Dixons Unity. It was great to heat about the turnaround at Dixons Unity. In particular, our delegates loved the opportunity to meet with students and hear abut the impact those changes have had on them - they were so impressive! The delegates were incredible excited about everything they saw at Unity!"

Jordana Hunter, Education Program Director at Grattan Institute, October 2024

"Yesterday, I visited Dixons Unity Academy. There are so many good things happening there and pupils and the wider community are benefiting greatly as a result!"

Stuart Voyce, Executive Director of Education at Rodillian MAT, October 2024

"We visited Unity and were truly impressed by the serene and purposeful learning environment. We met polite and well mannered students who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Lessons were engaging and it was clear that relationships between staff and students were exemplary. Students thrived as a result of the climate that had been created by school leaders. I look forward to seeing the school go from strength to strength."

Phil Davis, Executive Headteacher at New Collaborative Learning Trust, July 2024

"Staff have high expectations for pupils’ learning and behaviour. These expectations are being increasingly well realised. Pupils experience consistent routines and common approaches to teaching. This creates a strong focus on learning." 

Lead Ofsted inspector, July 2024

 "The school is building stronger links with the wider community. The ‘Unity Community’ provides extra support to pupils and families, helping to address the barriers that some face."

Lead Ofsted inspector, July 2024

"Pupils learn the importance of respect. The school is taking increasing steps to widen pupils’ personal development. Pupils receive thorough guidance on their next steps for future education, employment or training."

Lead Ofsted inspector, July 2024