Our guiding principles.

Achievement without excuses
We have an unwavering focus on achievement. This is paramount so that all of our children and young people enjoy greater life chances.
We take responsibility for ensuring that they succeed. We own our own performance and do not rest on our laurels or seek to blame others.
Our people matter
We know that our people make a difference to the lives of our 3-16-year-olds. We want to make our schools places where great teachers want to teach, lead and build a career. Investment in the recruitment, development and retention of the best people is a top priority.
We aim to provide professional work environments where our people have the support and tools to do a great job and push our children and young people to scale new heights in a safe and secure environment.
Excellence as standard
We set high standards. “Good enough” is simply not. We do not accept second best from our pupils or ourselves.
The Trust aims to be a highly reliable school improvement organisation that is disciplined in its approach to improving performance. A Trust with clear plans and, simple and precisely executed systems that not only develop and sustain excellent performance, but never stifle individual flair.
Pupils come first
Our schools are run for the benefit of children and young people, not the ease of adults. Their achievement comes first and staff in schools and the central Trust office work to this end.
The Trust aims to keep low priority tasks away from front line teachers and leaders so that they can focus explicitly on our core business of teaching and learning.
Stronger as one
We take collective responsibility for each other and the results of all of our children and young people. We enjoy sharing our success as a Trust while recognising the strengths of individuals and each school. To this end collective accountability is rooted in a “if one fails we all fail” mentality.
As a family of schools we collaborate with each other, challenge each other and share best practice. We do not let competition get in the way of our desire to get the best outcomes for all.
News.
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Orchard Head attend Rob Burrow CBE train unveiling
On Friday 26th September, Rob Burrow CBE’s birthday, a train was unveiled at Castleford station to commemorate his impact on our community. Pupils from Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery were among the first to be invited to see the train before it entered service on the Northern Railway network. They were invited to watch…
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Secondary School Open Evenings
Pontefract Academies Trust are delighted to invite prospective students and their families to our upcoming Open Evenings at Carleton High School and The King’s School. These events offer a fantastic opportunity for students and parents/carers to meet our staff, explore our facilities, and discover what makes our school communities so special. Open Evening Dates: ·…