An unexpected change of circumstances was a devastating blow, but Greetland Academy has proved to Angela and Nik that everything happens for the best

Angela and Nik Burns live in with their sons Aidan, nine and Connor, seven.

Dramatic change of plan Until two years ago, Aidan and Connor were educated privately at a school which both Angela and Nik were very happy with. However, with Nik’s unexpected redundancy the situation changed dramatically and they had no choice but to move the children to a state school. “We had both felt strongly that we wanted the very best for our boys in every way and believed that a private setting would provide them with the aspirational environment we hoped for, together with a first-class education,” Angela says. “Whilst in many ways that proved to be the case, looking back at their time with Greetland Academy, Aidan and Connor have benefitted in ways that we hadn’t anticipated; and it’s only now they are so happy at Greetland Academy that we can recognise this.” Look no further A healthy outlook on life Nik and Angela selected three local schools to visit, of which Angela admits to being devastated when they were obliged Greetland was one. “We had to find somewhere which to take the boys out of their first school but her opinion would suit both the boys and their different personalities has changed radically. “Private education may be the right and that was potentially daunting,” remembers Angela. “The choice for some but we have seen how both Aidan and first school we looked at didn’t feel right for us but when we Connor have blossomed at Greetland,” she says. “They are went to look round Greetland we all knew we didn’t need to achieving academically which is very important but more investigate further; neither Aidan nor Connor had any doubt to the point they are happy. They are surrounded by people that it was what they wanted - for very different reasons.” from a range of different backgrounds, learning a healthy sense of equality and have a much more inclusive outlook.” Whilst Aidan is studious, academic and confident, Connor is shy and quiet but both felt that Greetland was somewhere No regrets they could feel comfortable. “The teacher who showed us Although they had a difficult situation to face, Angela and round really listened to what we were saying and didn’t try Nik have no regrets about how it has turned out. “Everything to influence us but everything about the school spoke for happens for a reason,” believes Angela. “Greetland Academy itself. Both the boys were particularly struck by the happy, has been able to offer us the early educational experience friendly atmosphere and the fact that the children seemed we didn’t realise we were looking for and, if I became a to be enjoying themselves. The classrooms were bright and millionaire tomorrow, I wouldn’t move them now.” cheerful and the staff welcoming - we were convinced.” Swift, appropriate and effective Being younger, Connor found the transition relatively easy but Aidan initially had a harder time. “His previous school had had quite a formal approach and at Greetland he was mixing with a much more varied range of people which he found difficult to adapt to at times; indeed, he was picked on for a while but we were impressed with how the school handled the situation. Greetland has a very effective policy in place and any inappropriate behaviour is addressed swiftly and appropriately. Aidan himself has learned a new set of social skills which have helped him to fit in really well and both boys are becoming well-rounded and confident.” A phenomenal transformation Confidence was something Connor had lacked and again, this had concerned Angela. “I had to wait until he was inside the building before I could leave in the morning but now he’s more than happy to run off with his friends. His teacher also persuaded him to have a part in the school play which initially terrified him but now he’s so excited - the change in him has been phenomenal and I couldn’t be happier.”

Early Years & Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2 Tel: 01422 372893 Principal Saddleworth Road, Greetland, School Street, Greetland, Fax: 01422 377125 Mrs A J Bennett Halifax, HX4 8LX Halifax, HX4 8JB Website: www.greetlandacademy.org.uk Deputy Principals Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Mr P Dixon Mr R Shaw Miss D Worthington The Greetlands Academy is a company limited by guarantee and registered in and Wales Company No. 07465343. Registered office at School Street, Greetland, Halifax, West HX4 8JB