Joe Ayre, Headteacher at Northfield Primary School, reflects on Northfield’s first 12 months with Pontefract Academies Trust.
The first 12 months of Northfield Primary School as part of the Pontefract Academies Trust have been nothing short of transformative. Since joining the Trust in December 2023, the school has experienced a remarkable journey of growth, achievement, and community spirit. With the continued support and guidance from the Trust, alongside the leadership of our new Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, Northfield Primary School has made tremendous strides.
Student Achievement and Engagement
One of the standout successes of this period has been the exceptional achievement of our Year 6 pupils. Through dedication and hard work, they achieved some of the best outcomes the school has seen. This is a direct reflection of the positive changes and support that the Trust has brought to the school, from enriching curriculum resources to the collective commitment of our teaching staff. It is evident that the Trust’s approach has helped to unlock the full potential of our pupils.
The transition to a new Headteacher, alongside new leadership and teaching staff, has been met with a fantastic level of enthusiasm from our pupils. They have embraced the changes with maturity and excitement, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability. This has been equally true for our existing staff, who have worked alongside new team members to ensure continuity in the school’s excellent standard of education. The sense of community and collaboration within the school of palpable, and we are proud of how everyone – staff, pupils, and parents – has come together to make these changes a success.
Northfield Values and School Pride
A major highlight of the past year has been the introduction of the Northfield Values and our new school uniform. These initiatives have given our children a renewed sense of pride and belonging. The Northfield Values, which permeate every aspect of school life, are clearly visible in the actions and attitudes of our pupils. Whether it’s in the classroom, during extracurricular activities, or within the wider school community, the values of perseverance, respect, independence, determination and excellence shine through. Our children are not just learning about these values; they are living them every day.
The new school uniform has also played a significant role in fostering a sense of identity and unity. Pupils wear their uniform with pride, and it is evident in their conduct and engagement with the wider community. This shift in school culture has been one of the most heart-warming changes to witness in our first year with the Trust.
Curriculum and Personal Development
The introduction of the Trust’s new curriculum has had a profound impact on the school’s personal development offer. It has provided a clear structure and a wealth of opportunities for our pupils. This, coupled with initiatives like LYFTA (an immersive online teaching tool) have already made a huge impact. The engagement with LYFTA has been nothing short of mind-blowing. Pupils have shown an incredible for this innovative programme, which supports both academic and emotional growth. LYFTA’s focus on developing life skills, empathy, and creativity is perfectly aligned with our mission to nurture well-rounded, confident young people who are ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Pupil Leadership and Community Involvement
At Northfield, pupil leadership is at the heart of everything we do. Our children take their roles seriously and understand the importance of being active, responsible members of both the school and wider community. One such example is the thriving pupil-led tuck shop, launched in October. This initiative has been a massive success and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our school community. Pupils involved in running the tuck shop have demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills. It is inspiring to see how our children are already taking charge of their learning and contributing to the school environment in meaningful ways.
Sporting Success and School Engagement
Northfield has also embraced the opportunity to be part of the Trust’s PAT Games. Following the first half-term of competitions and sporting festivals, the school is currently ranked number 1 out of the 7 primary schools in the Trust. This achievement is a testament to our pupils’ enthusiasm for physical activity, as well as the hard work and dedication of our staff. The school’s involvement in the school games has not only boosted our pupils’ physical well-being but also fostered a sense of healthy competition and teamwork that extends beyond the sports field.
Attendance and Commitment to Learning
A key metric of our success has been the significant improvement in attendance. With a Year-to-Date attendance of 97.1%, Northfield has seen an increase of almost 3% compared to the same time last year. This improvement speaks volumes about the positive impact that the Trust’s approach has had on our school environment. Pupils are excited to come to school, engage in fantastic lessons, and participate in the wide range of activities offered. The commitment of our staff and the unwavering support of our parents and carers have been pivotal in fostering this positive school culture.
Looking Ahead
As we look towards the next 12 months, we are filled with excitement and optimism for what is to come. Northfield Primary School is in an incredibly strong position, and the foundation we’ve built in the last year will serve as a springboard for even greater achievements in the future. We are grateful for the Trust’s continued support and for the dedication of every individual who has contributed to making this year such a success. Together, we will continue to inspire, challenge, and empower our pupils, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally. The journey ahead is bright, and we are excited to see where it will take us!