Community voices on Croxteth: A new chapter for our school community
Posted 3rd March 2026 by David Evans, Head of Humanities
As we continue our series exploring the transformation journey Dixons Croxteth Academy has been on, we share the second of our blogs from teachers who have worked in Croxteth long before Dixons took over. In this blog, David Evans, one of our longest-serving teachers, talks about the impressive change he has seen in the school in the last three years – not a small statement from someone who has dedicated nearly three decades to serving families in North Liverpool.
A new chapter for our school community
I have seen more change in the last three years than I probably did in the previous 20 and it’s all been for the benefit of our students.
What has changed since Dixons took over? In many ways, everything — and yet the heart of our school remains the same: a deep commitment to our young people and their futures.
A calmer, more focused environment
Families who visit us often comment on the calm atmosphere – it wasn’t always like this. There is a sense of purpose in classrooms and corridors now. Expectations are clear and consistent, and both staff and students understand what great learning looks like.
Lessons begin in the same structured way across subjects, giving students immediate focus and routine. This consistency means that children can concentrate on learning from the moment they step into the room. Staff are able to teach — truly teach — rather than manage disruption. As a result, classrooms feel orderly, purposeful and positive and are environments where every child can succeed.
Keeping aspirations on track
Our students are increasingly aware of the opportunities available to them beyond their immediate surroundings. They talk about university, technical qualifications, creative industries and apprenticeships.
There is a strong belief that where you grow up does not determine where you end up.
Students are ambitious. They are resilient. They are keeping their “eyes on the prize” — thinking carefully about what they want from life after Year 11 and beyond. The provision at Dixons Croxteth Academy supports them to get there: revision sessions and after-school clubs are well attended; homework clubs are used. There is a real sense that young people are grabbing opportunities with both hands.
A school that is not the same as before
We know that some families may still have an ingrained view of the previous school that occupied this building. We are not the predecessor school. We may share the same building, but we are a completely different school community and our families tell us this when they visit.
Parents who return for open evenings after having attended the old school themselves often tell us they are surprised — in the best possible way. They notice the calmness. They notice the focus. They notice the ambition.
Changing perceptions takes time. But the daily experience of our students tells the real story and student feedback has shaped so much of what we do.
Strength through being part of a trust
Being part of a wider trust has brought tangible benefits. We are no longer working in isolation. When additional expertise or support is needed, it can be brought in quickly. Staff collaborate across subjects, sharing approaches to literacy and curriculum design. There is a clear plan and a joined-up way of working.
This collective strength has helped us broaden the curriculum, too. Music has been reintroduced. Art is thriving. Alongside strong academic foundations, students have opportunities to express themselves creatively and discover new talents.
It feels more connected, more purposeful and more supported.
A community moving forward together
One of the most encouraging developments has been the partnership with families. There is a shared understanding that education matters deeply. Parents are increasingly engaged and supportive. Students see that support, and it fuels their motivation.
Attendance has improved. Engagement has improved. Confidence has grown.
Most importantly, our young people are happy. They are content, ambitious and increasingly confident in their own abilities.
Looking ahead
We are proud of the progress made so far — and we are equally clear that the journey continues. There is more to do, more to improve and more to achieve. But the direction of travel is positive, and it is driven by a simple belief: every child in our community deserves the opportunity to sit at the “top table” — to access the very best pathways, whether that is university, apprenticeships, technical routes or creative careers.
Your child’s future should never be limited by postcode or past perceptions.
Over the last three years, our school has changed significantly. It is calmer. It is more ambitious. It is more consistent. It is more connected. And above all, it is a place where young people can thrive.
We are excited about what lies ahead — and we are grateful to be on this journey together with our whole community.