Community, health and inclusion

At Dixons Cottingley, we understand that our community is key for the success and happiness of our students. Within our academy we have:

• A full safeguarding team looking after all of our children 
• A SEND team with excellent provisions for students with additional needs 
• Centre of Excellence award from the Inclusion Quality Mark
• An on-site clinically trained mental health professional with expertise in the education environment
• An on-site family support worker at our academy three days a week, running parenting support and student support groups
• A fantastic family engagement centre on site where different agencies, staff, and community groups can meet in a friendly and safe space

If you would like to know any more information about our community, or would like to work with us, please contact Stacie Green on 01274 089900, or email us.

Key staff

Ms K Radford  Vice Principal - Culture & Inclusion

Stacie Green  Safeguarding Officer

Julia Bettison  Academy SENDCo

IQM Award

Since 2022, Dixons Cottingley Academy has held a 'Centre of Excellence' Award from the Inclusion Quality Mark organisation.

We are pleased to announce that as of July 2025, we are now a 'Flagship School' within this organisation - the highest possible level.

We are one of only a handful of schools in the UK to have achieved this award, given to schools who:

'demonstrate a commitment to outstanding levels of inclusive best practice'.

This is reviewed annually, so we are pleased to have been awarded it for the past four years.

Quotes from the IQM Report

"Visiting Dixons Cottingley Academy for the first time was an absolute pleasure. From the very beginning, it was clear that this is a school where inclusion isn't just a word on a mission statement, it's a way of life. Whether speaking with staff, students or parents, the message came through loud and clear: every student matters, and every effort is made to ensure they can access learning, thrive, and fulfil their potential."

"Students repeatedly described Cottingley as a place where "we all work together", a sentiment clearly echoed by staff. In-class support was praised by all, and the "My Inclusive Classroom" CPD has equipped teachers with a wider range of strategies to help students access learning in meaningful ways."

"Beyond the academic, Cottingley invests deeply in its students as people. The Thrive point system rewards students who demonstrate care, respect and responsibility, core values that underpin everything."

"Walking through Cottingley, it's hard not to be struck by the sense of care that flows through every corridor. Whether in the Family Engagement Hub, the attendance team, or the one-to-one mentoring happening in quiet corners, it's clear this is a community that cares deeply and consistently."

The Inclusion Quality Principles are:

• Promotes access and diversity
• Raises achievement for all
• Creates an environment for all to succeed
• Improves the inclusive nature of all schools

Recent events

• An early Help co-ordinator from Bradford Council visited us to answer questions and give advice to parents and families on lots of topics such as: benefits, housing, parenting, behaviour management, mental health and employment support.
• We invited all parents of our current Year 11 students to talk about upcoming exams, school attendance, after school intervention, revision timetables, exam regulations, and to answer any questions that parents may have around exams.