Case Study: The David Young Community Academy, Leeds

The David Young Community Academy (DYCA) is one of CASL’s member academies.

It opened in September 2006 and specialises in Design and the Built Environment.

It serves its local community and does not select, either on the basis of faith or ability.

DYCA replaced two under-achieving schools in Seacroft, a deprived area of Leeds which has one of the country’s largest housing estates.  A higher than average number of students are entitled to free school meals and a similar proportion have learning difficulties.

DYCA is sponsored by the Church of England (the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds) and Christian values underpin and support the development of its lifelong learning community.  It is named after a former Bishop of Ripon, David Young, who was Chairman of the Church of England Board of Education from 1994 to 1999.

The academy promotes a very positive attitude.  The prospectus and notices on the academy walls state confidently: “Every student at DYCA will have the opportunity to apply to a top university and achieve honours”.  In the staff room the ethos and purpose of the academy are clear: “We inspire knowledge, develop skills, inspire and kindle love.  We dispense enthusiasm.  We are touching and shaping tomorrow”.

The life of the academy does not end at the end of the school day, because that is when Stage Three activities take place.  There are more than 40 different clubs and extension classes to inspire and stimulate new interests and develop skills and experience.

Ros McMullen, the Principal, says: “I’m exceptionally proud of my staff and my students.  I’m exceptionally proud of their aspirations for each other and for their Academy”.

If you want to learn more about the David Young Community Academy, its students and staff and their achievement, follow the link to the DCSF Case Study (please note this is a PDF file).