Dixons Academies Trust took over De La Salle in Croxteth in 2022
Dixons Croxteth Academy(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Education officials have lauded the “significant and rapid improvements” at a school that was on the brink of closure four years ago. In February 2022, campaigners in Croxteth were jubilant when De La Salle school was saved amid months of uncertainty and fear about a possible closure.
The school had been issued with a Termination Warning Notice from the DfE in 2021 after two consecutive inadequate Ofsted inspections. Dixons Academy Trust stepped in to take over the school, which serves more than 300 boys aged 11-18 on Carr Lane East.
The school was reinspected by officials last month. Ofsted highlighted the school’s “rapid journey of improvement” and noted that it is now “a school to which staff, parents and pupils are proud to belong.”
The report praised leaders for being “driven by a moral imperative to improve the life chances of pupils” and for working “tirelessly and successfully to transform this school”.
Inspectors recognised the strong foundations now in place to support students’ learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
Ofsted confirmed students feel safe and well cared for. The report highlighted the positive culture across the school, describing a community with “a real sense of pride and belonging at its heart”, underpinned by “warm and trusting relationships” between staff and students.
Dixons Academy in Croxteth(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Inspectors also praised behaviour and routines, noting that “well-established routines help to ensure the school is calm and orderly”. Students were described as “happy, valued and safe in school”, with bullying and discrimination “not tolerated”.
The report recognised improvements to the curriculum and teaching, stating the curriculum is “appropriately broad” and staff adapt teaching effectively to support students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Staff are knowledgeable and adapt teaching so students “build knowledge securely over time.”
Alongside these strengths, inspectors identified attendance and Key Stage 4 outcomes as areas requiring continued focus, recognising they naturally lag behind the school’s recent, rapid transformation. The report notes attendance has already improved “exceedingly quickly” from a low starting point, with leaders prioritising this work to ensure students fully benefit from the new foundations.
Iain Duggan, principal, Dixons Croxteth Academy, said: “This report recognises the rapid progress our school has made and the strong foundations now in place. I am incredibly proud to have worked alongside our staff, students and families, whose commitment and belief have driven this improvement.
“We are clear-eyed about where we need to go next and remain ambitious for every student. With the continued support of our trust, we will keep working tirelessly to ensure every young person receives the education and opportunities they deserve.”
Luke Sparkes, school and college trust leader, Dixons Academies Trust, said: “At Dixons, our focus is always on improving life chances, not chasing inspection outcomes. However, we are pleased that Ofsted has recognised the strength of leadership, safeguarding and culture at Dixons Croxteth Academy, and the rapid improvements that have been made.
“This report reflects the dedication of staff, the resilience of students and the trust placed in the school by its community. We will continue to support Dixons Croxteth Academy as it builds on this progress.”