In November 2018, the school was judged "outstanding", in an Ofsted inspection.

Weller became Executive Principal in September 2011 when Dixons took over the former Rhodesway School in Allerton, Bradford.

[4] Sir Nick was made Knight Bachelor by Queen Elizabeth II for services to education in 2015, and his report to HM Treasury and the Department for Education on schools in the Northern Powerhouse region was published in November 2016.

[5] Michael Feely, former Deputy Headteacher at Our Lady's Convent Roman Catholic High School in London and England Youth international football player, was appointed as Principal of DCA in September 2018, leading the academy to a successful "Outstanding" Ofsted report 2 months later.

[7] In June 2023, with the departure of Michael Feely, Raouf Mohammed earned the role of Principal of the Academy.