A REFLECTION OF YEAR ONE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS OUTSTANDING
A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 1 CONTENTS
4. eeds it o ege Our oca Sponsor
6. eading on a ourne to Outstanding ntroducing Andrew ita er ecuti e rincipa
7. Year One Our First Steps Towards Outstanding
10. u ti-Acade Trusts at are t e
12. essage fro t e air of T e RAT oard of irectors
13. Trust entra Tea Organisation Strateg
16. RAT entra Tea Structure
17. eeds ast Acade Structure
18. eeds est Acade Structure
19. eeds it Acade Structure
22. eading in earning A rincipa s erspecti e
26. e e rating Success Rewarding oti ating nspiring
29. A artners ip for rogress T e ORS Acade ies Trust
31. An ducation ower ouse eading t e Trust Teac ing and earning roup
33. A ew eneration Teac er Training ORS S TT
34. Standards of ce ence T e Teac ing earning roup
37. S aping and p e enting our ision ntroducing our Associate rincipa s
38. Re iewing ractices S arpening o ic and Raising t e ro e of eeds it Acade A Senior ice rincipa s erspecti e
40. e ating Standards ce ing in Attendance and e a iour
46. A ew eginning ite Rose eop e
47. Student oice at s anged T is Year
2 The White Rose Academies Trust LEEDS CITY COLLEGE: OUR LOCAL SPONSOR The Trust’s vision is to be an and employers. The aim in the area will be of great of change and improvement exceptional and responsive of collaboration in every benefit to the students and staff has been impressive - all three academy group providing case is to raise standards of of White Rose Academies Trust. schools have finished the year in life-changing education, achievement of students. White As sponsor, the college will play a more positive place and with skills and experiences for Rose Academies Trust believes an active part in developing huge optimism for the future. individuals in our academies that by working in partnership any specialisms with extensive and in their communities. Our with Leeds City College we will work placements, alongside the The American architect, Frank academies are outward facing be well placed to provide an design and possible delivery of Lloyd Wright said: “I know the schools, working closely with innovative local solution to the vocational qualifications. The price of success: hard work, and local secondary and primary educational needs of Leeds to college is also keen to promote an unremitting devotion to the schools/academies and other benefit and support more young the employability prospects things you want to see happen.” educational institutions on a people across the city and raise of the students attending our I can see the hard work from national and international basis. their ambitions and aspirations. academies through a range of staff and devotion to the things They will also develop close activities. we all want to see happen for links with other training and The college, as academy The White Rose Academies Trust. education providers including sponsor and strategic partner, For the three schools in The After a year of change and Colin Booth local colleges, universities and believes that it can make a White Rose Academies Trust, rapid improvement, we should private training providers. unique contribution to the work the 2016-17 academic year has be proud to have more than of our academies through its seen the managers and staff 2,000 pupils, three schools and Chief Executive and Principal Our academies will be part expertise and national and come together and honestly an academy trust well on the of Leeds City College of their local community and international networks. The face what needs to change way to success. Sponsor of White Rose will develop relationships profile of Leeds City College as to become Good and then Academies Trust with community groups the largest educational provider Outstanding schools. The pace
4 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 5 LEADING ON A JOURNEY TO YEAR ONE: OUTSTANDING: OUR FIRST STEPS TOWARDS INTRODUCING ANDREW WHITAKER OUTSTANDING
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL The first steps taken on any journey are often the most important. The initial strides over new ground establish the pace, attitude and direction in Andrew Whitaker secured the role of Executive Principal at The which we move forward to reach our destination, White Rose Academies Trust in September 2016. From the outset, collectively, as a whole-Trust community. his ambitions have been made clear to his staff: Each of the Trust’s schools will be judged by OFSTED as outstanding within three years. Following the end of an ambitious and dynamic This achievement will ensure that the academies will provide high year, I wish to reflect on The White Rose Academies quality, life-changing education throughout the communities they Trust’s exceptional journey; a new beginning serve. which has offered challenge, necessitated change and demonstrated rapid progress. Year Andrew’s career in education began with ten-years in the University One is a waypoint which truly marks our first steps sector, including working as an Associate Senior Lecturer, before towards our ultimate goal of outstanding. moving into the 3-18 education sector as a Senior Leader. Having arrived as Executive Principal of The Following three OFSTED inspections across LWA, As Senior Vice Principal of the UK’s largest all-aged special school White Rose Academies Trust in September 2016, LCA and LEA in short succession, we received based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Andrew led all operational areas I discovered three vibrant Academies with their judgments of Requires Improvement for all of the school including Post-16 provision. Throughout a transformative own unique strengths, lively personalities and three schools. Having initially made clear to the eight years he project managed a £25m BSF building programme, boundless potential. I also uncovered historic Board of Directors the very real possibility that all created a highly successful school improvement consultancy and Andrew Whitaker deficiencies within the fabric of these institutions; three academies could be placed into Special played a key role in leading the school to an outstanding OFSTED critical weaknesses which were seriously curbing Measures in September 2016, these judgements judgement in 2013. Executive Principal of The the progress which the schools should have been demonstrate the new Senior Leadership Teams’ White Rose Academies Trust making. positive impact in improving the schools at a Following a highly successful period in the SEN education sector, rapid pace. Andrew began his first headship in January 2013 at Todmorden Initial findings revealed that all three Academies High School. Over a three-and-a-half-year period, he led the were at risk of being placed into Special Measures. A critical turning point in our journey has been school from being the most at risk school in the local authority, to This necessitated rapid action to deliver clarity, achieved following the deployment of bold good with outstanding features in March 2015. direction and enthusiasm in the high standard programmes for school improvement, in addition of education we expect to provide for young to forming new partnerships with outstanding Other key milestones included transforming the school from the people. Our first response as a Trust included the Multi-Academy Trusts. We are fortunate to be bottom 5% of performing schools nationally (2012) to the top appointment of strong and experienced senior sponsored by The Leeds City College Group, 15% of schools (2016). This transformation also gained national leaders for each of our three schools, including who provide expertise, international networks recognition, when Todmorden High School was featured in the a new principal for both Leeds West Academy and highly desirable employability prospects 2015-16 Parliamentary Review for Secondary Education. During the and Leeds East Academy. We also deployed within education and beyond. Senior Leaders last eighteen months of his headship, Andrew also worked closely a nationwide recruitment strategy to secure from across the Trust have been inducted into as a Senior Advisor to four other secondary schools in the area. outstanding teachers, leaders and subject the Leeds City College Leadership Development specialists, coupled with support staff who are Programme, delivered by Gatenby Sanderson, As Executive Principal of The White Rose Academies Trust, Andrew proven experts in their fields. In short, we have ensuring our team are fully equipped with the has driven forward his new vision for school improvement at Leeds ensured that the Trust now offers the finest, most enhanced skills to lead with vision and exceptional West Academy, Leeds East Academy and Leeds City Academy experienced staffing body since its inception. resourcefulness. We also continue to welcome – three remarkable schools which proudly represent the identity, culture and future of West Yorkshire.
6 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 7 We raise expectations and reward success, whilst also placing our students at the heart of our decision-making.
the constructive and assistive relationship with Our open and honest relationship with the The very fabric of our schools has also been the Regional Schools Commissioner’s team local media has also provided an upturn in our redeveloped, by securing new investments and representatives from the Department for academies being recognised for their triumphs for repairs and technical expansion. Many of Education. across Leeds. Scores of news stories have these developments have been spearheaded appeared in print this year, coupled with a by our Student Councils, which include new Our School Improvement Partnership with The thriving online community via social media, with student WC facilities at LCA and the creation GORSE Academies Trust also provides further over 5,000 regular followers learning about our of nurture provisions at both LEA and LWA, with expert advice, support and training to leaders schools on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The a key focus on providing high quality support and teachers across all subject areas. We are truly inspiring story of our First Aid team saving to our most vulnerable students. Our vision for presently working very closely with all schools the life of a student was read by over 20,000 growth in these areas is ambitious and inclusive within this outstanding Trust, offering our staff persons on Facebook alone. Total re-designs of of our wider communities, ensuring the people of excellent subject specific advice, as well as our websites are also near completion, providing Leeds benefit from every development we drive providing all of our employees an incredible easier access to information and offering new forward across our facilities. Our schools very range of CPD opportunities. opportunities for language accessibility and much belong to the communities which they media-rich engagement online. The new Leeds serve. City Academy website will be the first to launch, followed swiftly by Leeds East Academy and I have only touched on some of the huge leaps Leeds West Academy. we’ve made this year, many of which will be revealed further in this review. The road we’ve The Trust remains committed to the wider travelled so far has presented its obstacles, but more appropriate curriculum with high-quality community and the people of Leeds. A major we’ve overcome them as a family of professional emotional, social and well-being support. Our development which is of great pride is the innovators and problem solvers, all driven to Trust-based Student Leadership programme launch of our START Community Hub at Leeds securing a shared goal of excellence. will also be in full flow, allowing our students to City Academy, which has the long-term goal of collaborate across Leeds and develop our vision providing independence and stability for families Year Two now presents the challenge of building for outstanding. Young people are central to everything through life-long learning. To do this, we provide on our new foundations of solid leadership, we do as a Trust. We raise expectations and essential services such as life training, clinics ensuring the young people in our care exceed As we prepare for the rigours and challenge of reward success, whilst also placing our students and networking events to ensure that people beyond their targets whilst our staff lead fulfilled our journey into Year Two, I would like to thank at the heart of our decision-making through can sustain themselves with confidence whilst careers. Year Two also promises to deliver even you for your support as we continue to go the Student Council. As such, we have forged new inspiring others to do the same. The Hub has been more exciting opportunities: From September distance to secure an exceptional future for the relationships with local and national awarding formed in partnership with the Leeds City College 2017, we will become a member of the Leeds next generation. bodies to recognise students’ talents and Group, local universities and charities to provide Teaching School Alliance, which will give our achievements within the community. This year, our new-to-English families access to courses in Trust access to the finest trainee teachers in the The non-stop journey continues… one student was awarded the prestigious Rotary English, Mathematics and ICT. Families can also region, with access to a range of outstanding Great Britain and Ireland National Young Citizen access professional advice on a range of issues, all-staff development programmes. We will also Yours faithfully, Award and several other students have also including employment, benefits, housing and be securing high-quality alternative provision received the Rotary Leeds and the National healthcare. Currently, sixteen families who are places at the Stephen Longfellow Academy and Diana Award, as featured in the 2017 Roll of new to the country have benefited from this Leeds City College. These provisions will enable Andrew Whitaker Honours list. exceptional provision. our most vulnerable young people to access a Executive Principal
The Trust now offers the finest, most experienced staffing body since its inception.
8 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 9 MULTI-ACADEMY TRUSTS: WHAT ARE THEY?
A u ti-Acade trust AT of eeds it o ege our T e o ernance structure of T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust is as fo ows is a sing e od esta is ed to sponsor t e ief ecuti e underta e a strategic a iance and rincipa of eeds it to i pro e and aintain ig o ege and t e air of t e educationa standards across a ite Rose Acade Trust nu er of sc oo s A group of oard of irectors As sponsor sc oo s for a sing e AT w ic eeds it o ege a e as o erarc ing responsi i it u ti ate responsi i it to t e for t eir go ernance epart ent for ducation for The White Rose t e perfor ance of t e sc oo s Academies Trust T e AT is accounta e for t e in t e Trust perfor ance of eac sc oo in Members x 3 t e group a t oug eac can T e Trustees or irectors are sti a e t eir own go erning responsi e for t e sa e t ree od t at operates su ect to core go ernance functions de egation of power fro t e perfor ed t e go erning AT od in an sc oo setting t e ision and direction o ding Board of Directors Audit T ere is not ing in education t e ecuti e rincipa and egis ation prescri ing ow a Acade rincipa s to account Directors x 13 Committee AT ust e co posed ut t e and ensuring nancia pro it AT is a co pan i ited owe er Acade trusts are guarantee isted at o panies a so c arita e co panies ouse and t e Artic es and and t e trustees are co pan e orandu of Association directors and ust co p wit go ern ow it is set up and co pan aw re uire ents As t e scope of its acti ities T e c arit trustees t e ust a so ite Rose Acade ies Trust ensure t at t e are co p ing Artic es and e orandu of wit c arit aw re uire ents Association are a ai a e to particu ar in re ation to iew on t e Trust s we site at pro it and anaging conflicts www w iteroseacade ies org of interest T e oard as LWA LAB LCA LAB LEA LAB esta is ed an Audit o ittee T e AT as a oard of trustees to assist in its o igations or directors w o are answera e to t e Trust s e ers T e T e ite Rose Acade ies e ers are a in to t e Trust as decided to a e a s are o ders of t e co pan oca Accounta i it oard and a e powers to appoint A for eac Acade wit t e a orit of t e directors and oca o ernors to o ersee a end t e Trust s Artic es of t e perfor ance of eac Association Acade and its rincipa on ord as t e Sc oo s inister descri ed o ernors and Trustees as engaged and energetic non- e a f of t e oard T e fu e ecuti e eaders w o e ers can co e fro a sc e es of de egation are ariet of sta e o der groups a ai a e on t e Trust s we site • are dri en t eir core strategic functions of setting t e ision o ding t e rincipa to account ut in t e case of T e ite at www w iteroseacade ies for resu ts and a ing sure one is we spent Rose Acade ies Trust w ic is org T e c air of eac A is a so • sit on oards t at are no igger t an t e a e to e a sponsored Acade trust t e current a oard irector • are curious a out w at s going on in t e c assroo and aren t afraid to inno ate e ers are T e orporation • focus rut ess on w at rea atters raising standards
The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 11 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: TRUST CENTRAL TEAM: MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR ORGANISATION STRATEGY
T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust is an Acade e tensi e educationa e perience are we T e Trust current c arges a centra ser ices eeds Teac ing Sc oo A iance and S TT group wit a er strong oca identit or ing in p aced to ensure t at t ere is good go ernance c arge to its acade ies of of t eir enera T is a iance a so inc udes a acade ies in partners ip wit our sponsor eeds it o ege support guidance and coac ing pro ision to Annua rant funding T is c arge is used to fund T AT and oc urn AT T is wi ena e our t e Trust is co itted to ensuring good and support t e eaders ip tea and u ti ate t e t e statutor re uire ent on a u ti-Acade Trust to a e access to t e er est new outstanding outco es for a of our sc oo s eeds successfu outco es for our students Trusts and a so ta e forward t e Trust s rapid trainees entering t e teac ing profession and it Acade was t e rst to oin in August i pro e ent strategies in addition wi pro ide e ce ent courses wit eeds est and eeds ast oining soon after ease e p ore our Trust and Acade we sites and support for a staff across t e Trust in Septe er to disco er t e e traordinar wor w ic is ta ing As per t e funding agree ent t e core function • e e op outstanding a ternati e pro ision p ace wit in our sc oo s e er da - securing of t e Trust is to pro ide support around e options for eac of our acade ies Fro Our Trust is an independent c arita e trust i rant ro ust and di erse futures for t e ne t areas Septe er t is wi inc ude securing esta is ed eeds it o ege e e ie e generation ig ua it p aces at t e Step en ongfe ow t at wor ing in partners ip wit eeds it 1. The monitoring and improvement of Acade and t e eeds it o ege group o ege we wi e we p aced to pro ide an - pro ision inno ati e oca so ution to t e educationa standards • e e op ig ua it po icies t at ena e Christine Smith n its core ro e to onitor and transfor standards needs of eeds w ic ene ts and supports a acade ies to e p o t e ig est ua it t e Trust centra tea wor c ose wit a ore oung peop e across t e cit to raise t eir staff in a areas of t eir organisations To air of t e oard of irectors Acade rincipa s to a itions and aspirations T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust i p e ent an effecti e perfor ance anage ent s ste t at recognises and • e e op and i p e ent rapid i pro e ent An outstanding education pro ision is a necessit rewards outstanding perfor ance p ans in RAT acade ies T ese p ans out ine in t e odern wor d ensuring t at our oung • e e op outstanding ua it assurance The White Rose Academies Board of Directors t e ost effecti e wa for a acade ies peop e succeed in t eir c osen direction in fra ewor s t at ensure t at t e standard of can be contacted via email at: wit in t e Trust to e udged as outstanding ife At T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust we are education pro ided to a students is rapid E: [email protected] in t e ne t t ree ears co itted to de i ering an outstanding earning i pro ing and wi ead to outstanding P: The White Rose Academies Trust BoD, • e e op and e ed partners ips wit ourne for a students regard ess of wea t outco es Intake Lane, a range of outstanding pro isions and ocation ac ground or re igion • To pro ide additiona resources and Leeds, pro iders O er t e ast acade ic ear t ese personne to an of our acade ies w ere West Yorkshire, de e oping partners ips a e een ade O er t e ast ear we a e in ested additiona we assess t at t e rate of i pro e ent fa s LS13 1DQ. wit T e ORS Acade ies Trust T AT and resources in strengt ening our teac ing e ow our e pectations Recent e a p es oc urn u ti-Acade Trust T e range ua it and e perience engaging wit inc ude dep o ing additiona eaders ip For instant updates online, follow the Trust on of partners ips wi continue to grow to fu outstanding sc oo s to en ance and de e op support to a t ree acade ies to ring Twitter at @WRAcademies. eet t e c anging re uire ents of t e Trust our own pro isions w i st de e oping a ro ust a out rapid i pro e ent inc uding persona and its acade ies easure ent fra ewor to ensure t at we de e op ent and we fare teac ing and • e e op t e RAT for a e ers ip of t e eet t e needs of students and targets on earning and eaders ip capacit ac ie e ent
it t e e er-c anging education en iron ent Securing i rant and pressures on oung peop e toda we are deter ined t at we wi pro ide a earning ro ust and di erse en iron ent w ic considers and responds in futures for t e ne t a positi e sustaina e and proacti e wa a proud and onoured to e gi en t e opportunit generation to air t e Trust and a e con dence in t e eaders ip tea of t e Trust and t e Acade ies T e oard of irectors an of w o a e
12 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 2. Financial Management • To wor c ose wit socia edia and print • e e oping Trust wide procure ent T e Trust ust ensure t at a acade ies are edia organisations to ensure t at we strategies fu co p iant wit t e Acade ies Financia effecti e co unicate our Outstanding • e e oping est a ue so utions to our current and oo f T e Trust ust fu a ision pre ises anage ent c eaning and nu er of ega duties inc uding • roduction of interna and e terna disp a s catering pro isions to co unicate t e core a ues of eac • roduce audited accounts to su it to t e Acade to a students and isitors and to FA ece er eac ear i pro e ot interna and e terna signage Growth Strategy • aintain accounting records and pro ide • e e op ent and production of new interna As t e Trust continues to de e op and secure accessi e accounts in ine wit t e State ent co unication docu ents good outstanding OFST grading for a its of Reco ended ractice for c arities acade ies it is en isaged t at t e Trust wi • Fi e annua accounts wit o panies ouse increase t e nu er of acade ies w ic it for pu ic access and pro ide a cop of t e Income Generation sponsors To ensure t at t e Trust is prepared for accounts to an one t at re uests t e A e priorit for t e Trust for t e ne t two an future e pansion t e Trust wi de e op • u is annua accounts on t e Trust we site acade ic ears is to identif and to ta e no ater t an t e end of anuar fo owing t e ad antage of a range of new sources of inco e • T e capacit and s i set to carr out effecti e nancia ear to w ic t e accounts re ate inc uding due di igence on an future sponsored • nsuring t at a pu ic onies de o ed to Acade t e Trust are spent in ine wit a ue for one CENTRAL TRUST TEAM • Su itting for a ids to t e f for ongoing • e eaders and e co petencies to ensure princip es and in ine wit a audit princip es ui ding i pro e ents t at t ese indi idua s can p a a e ro e in set out in statutes and egis ations PRIORITIES 2017/18 – 2018/19 • or ing c ose wit eeds oca Aut orit to an new acade ies t at t e Trust for a access and secure funding to increase t e sponsors n addition to its core responsi i ities t e RAT A for a of our acade ies T is wi e used • A eaders ip consu tanc capacit t at wi centra tea are a so focused on t e fo owing to fund e tension to sc oo ui dings ena e ig ua it eaders to e dep o ed 3. Building and Facilities Management e priorities o er t e ne t two acade ic ears As a AT we are t e ega owners ease o ders • App ing for Sc oo pro e ent Funding fro t e Trust to support ot er fai ing for a ui dings and and current uti ised ia t e Regiona Sc oo s o issioner acade ies or Trust sponsors wit t eir rapid eac of our acade ies n t is ro e we t erefore Communication and Marketing • Securing additiona funding fro c arita e i pro e ent strategies a e o era responsi i it for t e up eep safet T e Trust as a ocated additiona resources trusts t at c ose a ign wit t e ision and and future de e op ent of t ese assets t at a e ed to t e transfor ation of our purpose of t e Trust s core a ues ar eting and co unication strateg wit a • Securing funding and wide-ranging support sta e o ders T e focus of t e Trust continues to fro pri ate usinesses and successfu e 4. Human Resource Service entrepreneurs As a u ti-Acade Trust we are t e ega • To de e op and fu i p e ent an e p o er of a staff in a of our acade ies outstanding recruit ent and retention T e Trust t erefore pro ides a u an Resources strateg as e idenced on our we sites socia ADDITIONAL INFORMATION pro ision t at o ersees a atters re ating to edia and an for a co unication we u er of staff e p o ee re ations inc uding a e wit sta e o ders • To wor c ose wit eac Acade s rincipa u er of students • anaging a sence to de e op and i p e ent ar eting udget Annua nco e • Staff conduct and e a iour strategies t at ensure t eir sc oo s are t e a ue of ui dings • a ro rst c oice for t e co unities in w ic t e urrent OFST rades une A rade Re uires pro e ent • Training and de e op ent reside • erfor ance anage ent A rade Re uires pro e ent • To de e op and i p e ent new Acade A rade Re uires pro e ent • Recruit ent and retention and Trust we sites t at ensure we are fu • ega ad ice as it re ates to e p o ent aw co p iant wit a egis ation go erning pu ic • Fu co p iance wit new R po icies and odies and to e p asise our outstanding ega processes ision for eac Acade
14 T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 15 WRAT CENTRAL TEAM STRUCTURE: JULY 2017
ANDREW WHITAKER Executive Principal
Academy Marketing and Finance / HR Improvement Communications
YVONNE HARE KASH RAFIQ BEN WHEELER MIKE GIDLEY Associate Principal Associate Principal Chief Financial Offi cer Head of Communications 1 day per week 1 day per week and Marketing
CHRIS REYNOLDS JACKSON SANDI ASHWORTH SAMUEL PAYNE SAMUEL BRADLEY Assistant Principal ELLIS-HAMBLEY Digital Communications Leadership and Partnership HR Manager Trust PA / Project Manager and Content Offi cer Development Graphic & Web Designer
TOBY CALE STEVE Assistant Principal ETHERINGTON Teaching, Learning and Assessment: Data and Finance Manager Curriculum Development
SAM POCOCK
Assistant Principal Funded by LTSA/SCITT JULY 2017 LEEDS EASTACADEMYSTRUCTURE: PASCOE GILL Assistant Principal June 2017 HELEN MCMILLAN Assistant Principal April 2017 Senior LeadershipGroup (Leadership andManagement) Andrew Whitaker Executive Principal Executive Administration EMMA WALLER SARAH CARRIE Associate Principal* CHRIS STOKES KASH RAFIQ December 2016 Vice Principal January 2017 March 2017 Manager May 2017 Principal NICOLA WIDNALL Assistant Principal June 2017 * Worksupto2daysperweekforTrust LYNNE BATTY Assistant Principal July 2017 LEEDS WEST ACADEMY STRUCTURE: LEEDS CITY ACADEMY STRUCTURE: JULY 2017 JULY 2017
ANDREW WHITAKER ANDREW WHITAKER
Executive Principal (Leadership and Management) Executive Principal (Leadership and Management) Senior Leadership Group Senior Leadership Group CHRISTIAN WILCOCKS
Principal June 2017 JACKIE ROSE
Principal BEN WHEELER April 2016
Associate Principal * June 2017
JON ZEB TRACY FOY CHRIS RAY Senior Vice Principal June 2017 Senior Vice Principal Vice Principal April 2017 Jan 2017
RICHARD CHATTOE DAVID HILLARY
Vice Principal Vice Principal July 2017 June 2017 GEMMA EDWARDS CHANDINI MISRA SIMON FORD VICKI MORRIS
Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Jan 2017 Feb 2017 April 2017 June 2017 JANIE JENNINGS JAMES RAND LUKE POLLARD DANNY BULLOCK TREVOR LESTER
Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal April 2017 Sept 2016 April 2017 April 2017 June 2017
* Works up to 2 days per week for Trust LIZ ARMSTRONG
Business & Operations Manager May 2017 THREE SCHOOLS
ONE VISION
20 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 21 We have moved from a thin, inward looking organisation to a much richer, LEADING IN LEARNING: outward facing one. A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE Being appointed Principal in At the same time, I am being April 2016 was a leap into the held to account by a far more unknown. The early signs were rigorous Local Accountability promising; it would be different Board, and external quality but yield swifter, more radical assurers, but this hasn’t felt progress. The new Executive in any way threatening, only Principal and the wider Trust useful. It has validated our own have lived up to these early self-assessment judgements and indications, as we have moved has challenged us to change from a thin, inward looking our thinking and seek other organisation to a much richer, solutions. outward facing one. Suddenly I have been given the freedom The other significant difference to think and create the vision includes the external partners for Leeds City Academy; I am who have inspired us to drive expected to look outside of the forward this year. The Executive The primary motivation of my When I applied for the role of Jackie Rose walls of the Trust for inspiration Principal chose these partners role as the Principal of Leeds Principal, the biggest driver in and fresh ideas. This was, in carefully, and linking us with City Academy is to make a my mind was the students. I September, quite revolutionary, an Outstanding Academy Principal difference to the lives of the walked around the Academy but so necessary for this school Trust (TGAT) was an inspired Leeds City Academy young people in my care. This is a and thought about their to thrive and grow. I am so move. The support given from huge responsibility in one sense, keenness to learn and their grateful that I was given the this Trust has been unflinching but it reduces considerably absolute desire to eat out of support and belief to do this. and incredibly practical, both when considered in the context the hands of teachers if they at leadership level but also for of a thriving team. were offered the opportunity to We have made rapid individual teaching staff. I am do so. I could see that in some improvement this academic excited and energised by this I always maintain that improving cases where teaching was of a year and are confident that partnership and look forward to the life chances of children high standard, students did well, we can continue to improve a developing relationship next is a team effort. That team is but in these cases the students quickly over the next two years year. of course the staff within the struck lucky. No student should and beyond. This improvement Academy, but more personally, have to strike lucky; all should has come about because I In summary, the new solution- the immediate senior team have the opportunity to learn have been trusted to employ focused leadership of the White around myself and the team and develop rapidly within the a very impressive senior team Rose Academies Trust has forged of the wider Trust, who like me, care of great teachers and I and to restructure my staffing a new vista, and is managing to have to think strategically about felt a responsibility to make this to benefit the students in the marry the forward direction of the future of the Academy in a happen. best possible way. I now have the whole Trust whilst maintaining world where budgets tighten ownership of my own finances the independence of the three but outcomes have to improve. and can prioritise the teaching individual Academies. This is no and learning of students in the mean feat and I am excited to way I feel they will most benefit. be part of the future journey. No student should have to strike lucky; all should have the opportunity to learn and develop rapidly.”
22 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 23 The partnership between the Executive Principal and Leeds East Academy is a dream LEADING IN LEARNING: come true. A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE staffing, budgets and the reviews from our GORSE Partners continuity of the curriculum, and through the Trust Standards it has been invaluable to me Advisor. Colleagues from these to know that at my side I have organisations challenge our the support and council of The thinking and seek evidence for White Rose Academies Trust. the impact of our decisions, but also provide real, high quality The White Rose Academies Trust advice. has struck a balance of providing support and advice whilst also The partnership between the allowing Leeds East Academy to Executive Principal and Leeds maintain and indeed develop East Academy is a dream come its independence. As a new true for any proud new Principal. Principal, I have strong ideas for I desire the independence to how I want students in my care run my school how I want to run to learn, develop and enjoy it but at the same time relish the When taking on the role of your performance, and never Christopher Stokes school. White Rose Academies support and guidance of my an Academy Principal, you has it been more important to leaders support this and indeed partners within the White Rose do so with a great deal of gauge wider opinion and seek encourage independent Academies Trust. Together we Principal self-confidence and belief in advice. thinking of the leaders in our are stronger and together we Leeds East Academy your abilities to transform the school. will ensure that the students lives of the young people and Having now completed my of Leeds East Academy soar communities that you serve. first 100 days (ending with our It of course goes without saying to success and achieve their That being said, like becoming recent OFSTED inspection), I that the Trust has also impressed dreams, no matter what they the president of the United am delighted with the impact on our school the accountability might be. States, you are also ultimately that we have had and the that we face for the decisions fully aware that the decisions positive moves forward we have that we take. This, however, that you take in your first ‘100 made. Though it will never be is still delivered in a manner days’ will define how your staff, straightforward or enjoyable to which is supportive, for example students and parents will judge take difficult decisions around through the use of external
I am delighted with the impact that we have had and the positive moves forward we have made.
24 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 25 CELEBRATING SUCCESS: Leeds East Academy strongly believes that pupils • Student of the week postcards and website should be regularly and fairly rewarded for their feature: Weekly recognition for outstanding REWARDING, MOTIVATING, achievements, to not only celebrate young progress made in lesson or around the people’s successes, but to also inspire and Academy/community. INSPIRING motivate students to achieve their very best and • Level 1 – 5 Certificates and badges: Awarded become confident, independent learners. when students have collected a certain level of stamps. Outlined below are the various methods used • Achievement Assemblies: Achievement across the school from Year 7 through to Year 11: Assemblies are held termly and are an excellent opportunity to celebrate • Praise Stamps: Regular recognition of positive achievements of pupils who have consistently action from students will occur in every lesson and continuously pushed themselves to and, whenever possible, outside of lessons. achieve well.
The White Rose Academies A Trust-wide incentive includes Trust prides itself on a series of a regular Work of the Week, highly effective rewards systems Gallery of the Week and which acknowledge and Student of the Week feature on At Leeds City Academy, students receive regular the community. As model citizens and valued celebrate the achievements each Academy website. These aspirational, inspirational and achievable members of the school community, a citation is and successes of all students. prominent, vibrant news stories rewards. The school was delighted to open their presented in weekly assemblies and displayed showcase the extraordinary very own Rewards Shop in April 2017, where on our school website. Across our schools, inside and work taking place in each students eagerly collect positive reward stamps outside the classroom, staff school, whilst raising the profile throughout the week from their teachers or for This year LCA are inviting parents to attend the consistently practice respected of students’ achievements outstanding contributions towards school life. first annual rewards event. Staff will be presenting rewards systems which provide among their peers, family and These can then be used to purchase a range prizes to students who have achieved over students with the opportunity to local community. A renewed of items at break times such as: stationery, and above their target grades, or who have be recognised and praised for sense of value, pride and sports equipment, arts and crafts, skincare demonstrated outstanding effort in lessons over their academic achievements, purpose married with an products, toiletries and various gifts. Nida (Year the entire year. The school has also invited some progress, contributions to the improvement in behaviour has 7) has achieved a remarkable 9286 stamps prestigious guests to present some very special school community, behaviour been cited for a number of this academic year, and over 81% of students prizes too. and attendance. students commended through across the Academy have achieved stamps this system. consistently in each lesson, every single day. LCA runs half-termly Rewards Assemblies where students receive praise, certificates, rewards for Each week the achievements of five students exceptional rates of progress in all subject areas in each year group are nominated for Student and for 100% attendance and improvements Success of the Week. These students meet with a in attendance. Having recently developed a member of the senior leadership team to discuss new Trust wide Rewards Policy, the Academy progress, exceptional attitudes to learning is looking forward to celebrating success and and how they broaden their learning through achievement with parents/carers further at a extra-curricular activities and events within Trust Awards Ceremony.
26 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 27 A PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS: THE GORSE ACADEMIES TRUST
Rewarding the pupils at Leeds West Academy is Star badges level 1 – 5: These will be awarded Sir John Townsley has a key to providing a positive ethos and environment when a certain number of stamps are achieved. remarkable history of rapid for learning. It is important to celebrate the school improvement and was achievements of all young people and this in turn Achievement Assemblies: Assemblies will be honoured for his services to will encourage participation and build resilience held termly and will celebrate the continuous education in the New Year’s to achieve their aspirations. Outlined below are achievement of pupils throughout the term. Honours list of 2015. As Deputy the various rewards issued across the Academy Headteacher at The King’s from Year 7 to Sixth Form: Presentation Evening: Certifi cates will be School, Pontefract, Sir John awarded in recognition of specifi c subject areas led a team of teachers who Praise Stamps: Regular recognition for positive and parents will be invited to participate in the spent a year developing and action from students will be rewarded in every celebration. Forged in September 2016, writing Positive Discipline which lesson and around the Academy. our partnership with The is now the dominant behaviour Achievement Day: A day of rewards for pupils GORSE Academies Trust framework across schools in Postcards: Weekly recognition of outstanding who have shown resilience, consistent progress provides support, expertise England. Following an equally progress in lesson or achievement around the and positive behaviour throughout the and development across The transformative period, Morley Academy. academic year. White Rose Academies Trust. High School was judged as This relationship enables each Outstanding in 2009 under his Academy and the wider Trust leadership, and again as The to determine its priorities for Morley Academy in 2013. In improvement with specialised 2009, Sir John intervened at support, in addition to offering Farnley Park High School and subject specifi c advice and a ensured the school secured range of CPD opportunities to an outstanding judgement in all staff. 2013. The school is recognised nationally as the most rapidly A cornerstone of our special improved secondary school by relationship is a Professional OFSTED. Mentorship Programme for The White Rose Academies Sir John Townsley said: “All of Trust’s Executive Principal, us at The GORSE Academies Andrew Whitaker, which is Trust are particularly excited delivered by Sir John Townsley, about the development of our NLE, Executive Principal of The partnership with the White Rose GORSE Academies Trust. Academies Trust. We know that
28 The White Rose Academies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 29 all profound and sustainable experienced leadership teams. improvement emerges through Our leaders have collaborated partnerships which are of the on the development of bespoke AN EDUCATION POWERHOUSE: highest quality. We know that programmes of improvement The White Rose Academies to specifically target areas LEADING THE TRUST TEACHING AND Trust shares our determination for improvement in our own to change the life chances Academies. LEARNING GROUP of children who come to our schools from some of the most The White Rose Academies Trust Teaching and Learning, as we all know, is the silver bullet of impoverished parts of the Leeds also benefits greatly from an success for our Academies and Trust. To become outstanding we city region and we are confident annual external review of Key need our students to benefit from excellent high quality teaching that, under the new leadership Stage 3, which includes advice every day, which develops independence, creativity, innovation of Andrew Whitaker, the Trust and guidance from TGAT’s and risk taking. We need to start encouraging students to think will prosper in an environment Director of Primary Education. for themselves and explore ideas through a range of challenging which is characterised by the We have also secured full activities and tasks which move learning forward at a fast pace. highest standards of integrity, access to TGAT’s TRACKLE pupil This will lead to high levels of student engagement, determination sincerity and compassion.” progress system, in addition A Partnership for and enthusiasm. The GORSE Academies Trust to the TGAT Reading Circles Progress: provides an external, rigorous programme, which includes If we demonstrate high ambitions for our students, the more eager review of our progress each advice and guidance on how Sir John Townsley they will be to strive for success; our students will become confident year, assessing the overall to implement the programme and resilient learners, which is evidenced by student examination Executive Principal and effectiveness of each White Rose across each school. outcomes significantly above the national average. This creates Accounting Officer Academy. The performance of a teaching provision in all Academies which will be judged as leadership and management At the centre of our partnership consistently Outstanding by OFSTED. The GORSE Academies Trust is scrutinised, in addition is our forthcoming Beginner to the quality of teaching, Teacher Programme, A big piece of work that The White Rose Academies Trust have learning and assessment developed through the initiated this year is the creation of The Trust Teaching and Learning whilst appraising targets and teacher training provision at group, chaired by Associate Principal Kash Rafiq. The focus of outcomes for students. This year, GORSE SCITT. The White Rose the group will evolve over time, especially regarding half term the review’s findings determined Academies Trust will formally strategies, but a constant will be that this group is driving forward a programme for Trust-wide join the group in September the improvement in the quality of teaching and learning across the development of Science, 2017, ensuring we secure the Trust. English and Mathematics; our finest new teaching talent in the partnership provided crucial region and beyond. The Teaching and Learning group isn’t about creating a-one-size- leadership support with new fits-all blanket approach to teaching and learning, or a centrally schemes of work, assessment Sir John Townsley adds: “If dictated framework; it is about enabling the Trust to quality assure processes and standardisation we can seek to ensure that teaching and learning and more importantly to bring together the development. children in The White Rose most talented teaching and learning minds in the Trust to discuss, Academies Trust do well in challenge, innovate and measure impact. Senior and Middle Leaders have their examinations and go on also experienced placements to secure excellent jobs and The group will regularly invite key Middle Leaders to present or for at least one full day a week places at top universities, then discuss successful teaching and learning strategies as well as within a TGAT Academy, working our city will be a better place, researching and seeking out best practice in a wider field. This closely with TGAT’s highly and significantly so.” will ensure that within the next two years, we become a highly confident and competent Teaching and Learning Trust.
30 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 31 T e out ined focus e ow wi ena e RAT to ac ie e t is a itious goa and ensure we eco e a centre of e ce ence and in turn support a range of sc oo s acade ies A NEW GENERATION OF TEACHER: TRAINING WITH GORSE SCITT • ua it of staff T roug out t is acade ic ear 1 • ig ua it T training and entoring Sa ococ T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust • Recruit ent of ood and Outstanding teac ers as de e oped its eginner teac er progra e t roug forging in s wit a fantastic • ua it of teac ing in ed to student outco es Sara arrie teac er training pro ision at • Teac ing inno ation w at is new and a ing i pact in 2 anna ard ORS S TT Sc oo entred earning nationa and ow can wi t is e i p e ented atie road ent nitia Teac er Training across RAT Assistant rincipa Sa ococ Ric ard attoe w o as pre ious een • e e op ent of iterac and nu erac across t e Trust en ons wor ing wit eginner teac ers uge ene cia to a e t is Ste en c en ie irector Rac e i urn at eeds est Acade as an trainee teac ers in our of S TT said t as een ta en on a Trust-wide senior acade ies w ic wi u ti ate a pri i ege to wor wit our eaders ip ro e to ead on t is contri ute to en anced co eagues at T e ite • S and t e pace of progress ris Ra pro ect a ead of t e Trust progress for our oung Rose Acade ies Trust t is 4 • e e op ent and i p e entation of strategies to ore Ai ee anson of cia oining t e S TT in peop e as we as en ancing ear A read we fee t is effecti e prepare our students to sit and succeed in e a s A e atson Septe er recruit ent opportunities in a co a oration as signi cant su ects O er t is acade ic en anced our offer e are Sa as wor ed c ose wit ear RAT co eagues a e a so er e cited a out for ing • e e op ent and i p e entation of strategies to To a e Step en c en ie irector of a so de i ered sessions to t e our fu - ooded re ations ip in 5 acce erate t e progress of disad antaged students a e e ent t e S TT to recruit t e argest co ort T ne t ear • ffecti eness of F in a essons e en Russe e er co ort of trainee teac ers t roug t is pro ision and To prepare fu for t is pro ect Sa ococ Assistant rincipa as contri uted to p anning RAT as carried a pi ot adds T e ORS S TT as • T e creation of an Outstanding Teac ing and earning Trust t e progra e for t e ne t sc e e o er t is acade ic out ined our new ode of ode and Sc oo -to-Sc oo Support ode o er t e ne t as Ra acade ic ear T is as ear osting four trainee ua it practice for teac er t ree ears Sa ococ in o ed eeds est Acade teac ers fro ORS S TT training pro iding a ig • areer de e op ent pat wa s for a teac ers in t e Trust osting recruit ent e ents and w ic as de onstrated t e ca i re of effecti e practitioners attending nu erous p anning ua it of t eir pro ision A across t e Trust T e ua it eetings to ensure t at an four teac ers wi co p ete of training is de i ered outstanding teac er training t e course wit a good or outstanding teac ing and ca endar as een designed outstanding grading T is as earning professiona s a owed co eagues to eco e producing a new generation t is e pected t at T e ite fa i iar wit ORS S TT of e ceptiona teac ers T ere Rose Acade ies Trust wi docu entation and processes is no dou t t at t is wi ead to e osting appro i ate a ead of t e increased en anced outco es in eac trainee teac ers for p ace ents nu er of p ace ents o er and e er c assroo t is an o er t e course of t e ne t t e ne t acade ic ear and e tre e e citing ti e for t is acade ic ear Furt er ore e ond T e i pact of t is e e ent of Trust de e op ent t e Trust wi uti ise so e of its re ations ip is a read e ident and co a oration w ic is outstanding practitioners to t e fact t at t ere wi e a uge contri uting factor de i er ectures and training a nu er of teac ers wit in in fu ing our ourne to sessions wit in acade ies t e acade ies w o a e outstanding to t e w o e co ort w ic co e t roug t e ORS S TT is pro ected to e o er training progra e in t e ne t trainee teac ers it wi e acade ic ear
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The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding and ua it t oroug e p oiting our in s wit T e ORS Acade ies Trust An outstanding SHAPING AND IMPLEMENTING OUR induction progra e as een esta is ed as a successfu eginning and transition to ife at eeds est Acade 2020 VISION:
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e of Associate rincipa is a ig desira e T e Associate rincipa ro e is to a so wor in c ose of t e ear t e focus of ua it assurance was to prospect for an aspiring eader w o as strong pro i it wit t e Acade rincipa to reflect ensure professiona co p iance and consistenc • earning routines are consistent and secure a itions of eco ing a rincipa wit in on t e Acade s areas for rapid i pro e ent across t e Acade t e non-negotia es were across t e Acade p anners are isi e and ont s and t is e citing ro e offers a direct and to de e op swift and concise action p ans aunc ed a ongside t e earning o ecti es and t e po ic is app ied in of essons pat wa to eco ing a future rincipa wit in to tac e underperfor ance of staff at a e e s outco es s ide n anuar t is was strengt ened of essons ad a positi e start to earning T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust T e ro e a so supports t e s ort ediu and ong wit t e addition of t e ini u c assroo • n of essons earning o ecti es and ter goa s of t e Acade as we as p anning e pectations T ere are e e ents w ic outco es are disp a ed consistent using T e ro e of t e Associate rincipa is to s ape and t e ne t steps to transfor t e Acade re uire a RA rating t ese are categorised to t e s ide and de onstrate c a enge for t e i p e ent a ision of acade ic success for a ensuring re ar a e i pro e ent is ac ie ed focus upon co p iance t e ua it of teac ing a orit of students students and to focus on e strategic priorities to and t e i pact of teac ing in ing to progress • T e presentation of students wor is of a er ead c ange de e oping c ear structures and T e Associate rincipa s and Acade o er ti e A co pre ensi e progra e ig standard in of t e oo s procedures and unite a to ac ie e t e sc oo s rincipa s wor c ose in creating c ear ines of wit wee optiona and directed sessions as ision For t e rincipa to de i er t e strategic accounta i it and ine anage ent w ic we as co pu sor twi ig ts supported rapid Key strategic priorities for 2017-2018: ision for t e future t e need t e ti e to inc udes ot senior and idd e eaders eing i pro e ent rior to t e earning wa c c e • ar ing and Assess ent ust e fre uent and de e op strategic e ce ence to raise standards re uired to present t eir i pact to one anot er co encing fu training was de i ered to ro ust in order to de e op s i s now edge e er a f ter Toget er t e a so support t e tea of o ser ers T is secured accurate and understanding for a students T e core purpose of t e Associate rincipa is staff at a e e s assisting in t eir understanding udge ents supported assess ent data • T e iterac p an praised in our recent OFST to assu e t e e tas of t e dai operationa of t eir accounta i ities as we as c a enging triangu ating t e ua it of teac ing wit t e isit ust e i p e ented uic de e oping anage ent of t e Acade and to underperfor ance at a e e s and de ising progress of students t ese e s i s is crucia in raising standards of pro ide ig ua it eaders ip pro iding a strategies for i pro e ent Toget er we a e ac ie e ent entoring ro e for a staff and students and to ade accurate initia assess ents of eac Recruit ent as een a e strategic focus • Su ect curricu u apping ust e a pro ote a cu ture of c ose co a oration and sc oo s strengt s and of t e areas of its wor T is o er t e ast ter of t e professiona s ea ing e priorit for t e new idd e eaders to tea wor across t e Acade T e Associate is e en ore effecti e focusing on continuous t e Acade a e een categorised ensure t ere is a co esi e p an for earning rincipa as to ead e a p e and to ode i pro e ent and i p e enting c ange at as de onstrating poor practice wit on o er ti e de e oping s i s now edge and outstanding practice at a ti es to de e op a rapid pace and t en assessing i pact to ensure de onstrating er good practice T e understanding at a rapid rate cu ture and et os w ere students fee safe and t e ig est possi e standards are ac ie ed re aining professiona pro e is uc stronger • To continue to dri e t e ua it of teac ing con dent as we as pro oting ig standards wit of re aining staff de onstrating focusing upon persona isation strategies and ig e pectations fro students staff and n addition t e Associate rincipa s ro es are er good green practice and ust eing e edded t roug SS s and a t e co unit T e Associate rincipa as to to encourage ig e e s of perfor ance and professiona s de onstrating poor practice consistent approac to assess ent for e a co itted and outstanding teac er as to e proacti e and energetic see ing and red Our recruit ent dri e as een re ent ess earning is de e oped across t e Acade we as an a itious strategic t in er w o wi e ceeding targets to a ig standard and to in securing professiona s of t e ig est standard support t e rincipa in esta is ing a ision for a wa s ensure t e est interests of a pupi s are t e future de e op ent of t e sc oo and to at t e eart of a decision a ing
The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding REVIEWING PRACTICE, SHARPENING POLICY AND RAISING THE PROFILE OF LEEDS CITY ACADEMY: This year, the landscape could A SENIOR VICE PRINCIPAL’S not be more different. PERSPECTIVE
Following my deployment by The appointment of four restructuring our student support the Trust in April 2017 to the new, highly talented and team. There is no doubt that role of Senior Vice Principal experienced senior leaders Leeds City Academy is benefiting at Leeds City Academy, my in January has allowed us to from the support of a healthy, abilities to affect immediate enact a programme of school progressive Trust with the full and rapid improvements to our improvement that was clear, intention of driving forward and school has been exciting and ambitious and has student supporting our school’s unique transformative. success at its centre. We have potential at the heart of Leeds now moved from an Academy City Centre, which for too long Central to our success at seriously at risk of being felt neglected and uninspired. Leeds City Academy has judged inadequate/special This year, the landscape could been the support and high measures by OFSTED, to an not be more different. there are zebra crossings, there challenge demanded from Academy judged to be requires have been incidents and injuries our new Executive Principal. In improvement, which is well on its Forging our new partnership on the road in the past year. October, we launched a new way to good and outstanding. with The GORSE Academies Following our much publicised Academy Improvement Plan to Trust has enabled us to review study, Student Council Tracy Foy all staff, students and the wider OFSTED Inspectors praised our our practices and sharpen presented their findings to Hilary community to establish a new leadership for taking decisive our policies, most notably Benn, MP for Leeds Central, who vision; to raise our aspirations action to tackle poor teaching in delivering higher quality Senior Vice Principal said: “I am supporting Leeds and to deliver education that coupled with our rigour to teaching, learning and Leeds City Academy City Academy’s campaign for a will equip our young people strengthen the Academy assessment in the core subjects safer crossing for pupils and local with the knowledge, skills and leadership team. Inspectors of English, Mathematics and residents and am contacting experience ready for their next also cited that there was clear Science. the Council to press for action.” steps. capacity for improvement This project and many of our because of the support from Working closely with our Trust- programmes for development I quickly identified weaknesses the Executive Principal and wide Communications Team, continue before the eyes of the in behaviour, welfare and staff’s high level of support for I am also proud to have raised local community we serve. safety, and the Trust responded actions being taken to improve the public profile of our school, immediately by deploying one the Academy. Students too driving forward the new image Our unrivalled reputation in of its Assistant Principals to deliver have commented on the of the Academy in line with the Leeds Central area has staff training to ensure greater transformation taking place in the the Trust’s new standards seen student numbers steadily consistency in our Positive Academy this year. One student and expectations. This year, increase throughout the year Behaviour Policy. In January, commented: “Compared to last Leeds City Academy students with record numbers of Year 7 The White Rose Academies Trust year, teachers have supported gathered crucial road safety students joining our Academy offered additional support by us more, making us achieve by data on Woodhouse Street as in September. Our Academy seconding an Assistant Principal aiming high.” part of a study with our Safer has been rapidly transformed from Bruntcliffe Academy to Schools Officer. This road is of in every facet since I joined as build on this work. The impact The new Executive Principal has concern to our community as it is Senior Vice Principal, and the has been stark, increased also allowed more autonomy a busy route situated before the journey to outstanding continues student attendance figures and over our finances resulting in vital entrance of the school and a at pace. a significant drop in the number investment both in improving neighbouring nursery. Although of fixed-term exclusions. our learning environment and the speed limit is 30mph and
38 The White Rose Academies Trust A Reflection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 39 ELEVATING STANDARDS: Attendance as i pro ed signi cant co pared to t e sa e period ast EXCELLING IN ATTENDANCE AND ear BEHAVIOUR AT LCA
e are incredi proud of t e Our strategic responsi i it as rates of a sence and persistent for safeguarding are effecti e ear eaning student speci c ac ie e ents we a e ade een to reduce t e rate at a sence t e Acade s and e e p ar s ste s are inter entions a e een t is acade ic ear towards w ic attendance dec ines and wor in raising attendance used s i fu eaders to effecti e As part of t e ite i pro ing e a iour safet a ing aintained our o era as een er effecti e in t e ensure t at pupi s inc uding Rose Acade ies Trust we a e and attendance at eeds it sc oo attendance of since conte t of ig c a enging t ose in off-site pro ision are wor ed co a orati e to Acade T e sc oo is ca anuar we can distinct state circu stances safe and protected fro ar de ise a new ositi e e a iour order and ar onious and t at attendance as i pro ed it in essons and around t e o ic and we are e cited pupi s are we e a ed in signi cant co pared to t e e now t at our o era Acade pupi s are p easant a out t is eing i p e ented essons i e ons f ducation sa e period ast ear up attendance gure is sti e ow po ite and courteous and in Septe er T is inc udes Ad isor anuar said t ere T e attendance of our on- t e nationa a erage and t at t e socia ise we en o ing strategies to reduce Fi ed is a c ear sense of ua it and disad antaged students stands our persistent a senteeis is t eir ti e toget er espite Ter c usions and reduce inc usion in t e sc oo i ersit is a o e nationa a erage at a so a o e a erage e are t is e c usions are ig and t e a ount of ti e spent in recognised and a ued n t e and t e attendance of not co p acent and recognise a o e t e nationa a erage Sec usion so e students OFST a report it was our isad antaged students is t at t ere is sti uc wor to in particu ar e c usions a ong identi ed t at eaders a e a so a o e t e isad antaged do ps Ro a pupi s and pupi s e fee con dent t at t ese ade sure t ere are e ce ent nationa a erage at Our wit S T is is disappointing odi cations as we as t e Gemma Edwards procedures in p ace to protect now strong pastora tea wor Raising standards and owe er t ere are indi idua de e op ent of our Rewards pupi s and ta e care of pupi s assiduous to support a oung e pectations in a areas student success stories and of S op wi incenti ise students e otiona we - eing n order peop e and fa i ies and t e of e a iour is critica to t ese students a e ad no to c oose positi e e a iour Assistant rincipa to faci itate t is an e tensi e rigorous onitoring of students o ing t e sc oo forward to furt er e c usion t is acade ic rat er t an negati e staf ng restructure as ta en t roug ro ust trac ing using outstanding T is acade ic p ace wit t e appoint ent of a staged response procedure ear we a e restructured t ree Assistant rincipa s one and isua traf c ig t s ste t e sc oo da T is as wit responsi i it for ersona for non-attendance as een eant o ing coac ing e e op ent e a iour used successfu to trigger ti e to t e start of t e da Safet and e fare and two appropriate inter ention n to address p anners unifor responsi e for S and S con unction wit t is ti e and e uip ent Additiona outco es wit a particu ar focus rewards wit in asse ies and we a e introduced a on disad antaged students n t e opening of a Rewards S op depart enta re o a s ste addition we a e a so recent in Apri as supported to address e a iour at S appointed Year anagers a t is su stantia increase ar and t is as a read seen a Fa i Support or er to target Fe d an A Acade dra atic decrease of ow e e outreac support to our ost pro e ent artner reported disruption incidences co p e and u nera e fa i ies t at gi en a su stantia since i p e entation and a student counse or to wor proportion of t e Acade s wit t e socia and e otiona pupi s are of ps Ro a upi s sa t e are safe in sc oo needs of our students et nicit and t at t is group and t ere are adu ts t e can nationa as e ceptiona ig con de in if t e a e an concerns T e arrange ents
T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 41 ELEVATING STANDARDS: c usions a e reduced rapid co pared to t e sa e period EXCELLING IN ATTENDANCE AND ast acade ic ear BEHAVIOUR AT LEA
O er t e ast t ree ears a at osp ere upi s s ow ig e a iour odi cation of t is in re ation to students a o e t e nationa a erage considera e a ount of wor as e e s of respect for eac ot er progra e as a so een co ing into sc oo t e sa e at and disad antaged gone into i pro ing e a iour and are increasing aware of successfu i p e ented for da to t us ig ig ting t e student attendance now is in safet and attendance at t e desire of staff for t e to pupi s wit signi cant e a iour effecti eness of t is position ine wit nationa gures eeds ast Acade resu ting succeed ig er e pectations arriers to earning c usions in a transfor ationa c ange in of e a iour attendance and a e reduced rapid A strong w o e sc oo dri e to n order to o e e a iour pupi s e a iour and attitudes t e wa in w ic pupi s present co pared to t e sa e period furt er i pro e attendance and Safet to e good t e to earning T e sc oo is now t eir wor are e ping pupi s to ast acade ic ear a s ost ia a targeted door noc ing Acade wi now a er ordered en iron ent a ue t eir education e a iour a e reduced and rota and pastora and senior and in essons pupi s ta e pride is no onger a arrier to student isad antaged FT s saw a eaders ip attendance c inics • Furt er i pro e attendance in t eir wor are punctua and progress T e report a so reduction of targeting students identi ed creating a strong cu ture fu prepared for earning ig ig ts ow upi s conduct as A or on t e order of of en o ent of co ing w ic is now eginning to t e se es we around t e To i pro e attendance t is A s owed a ar ed and to sc oo nsure t at see a positi e i pact on pupi sc oo and in essons and t e acade ic ear t e Acade sustained i pro e ent on t e attendance reac es and progress Outco es fro recent Acade is a safe and caring introduced a new strateg attendance of pupi s w o a e u ti ate e ceeds t e isits to t e Acade two en iron ent in w ic pupi s ai ed at ensuring a c earer pre ious ad e ceptiona nationa a erage Kash Rafi q ser ing OFST inspectors Sir s ow respect for one anot er structure to tac ing poor ig rates of a sence o n Towns e Apri and attendance T e Acade Attendance for t is acade ic • Furt er de e op e a iour ar Fe d an a s owed At t e eginning of t is ear our de e oped a -staged ear as i pro ed on odi cation strategies and Associate rincipa re ar a e i pro e ents two e strategic priorities were response procedure for non- t e sa e period ast ear to espo e tai ored ade in attitudes to earning T e to reduce ed ter e c usion attendance w ic inc udes a A saw a reduction of curricu u progra es to Regiona Sc oo s nspector and to i pro e t e attendance traf c ig t s ste to onitor T e attendance of our on- continue t e rapid reduction ic i eer a so co ented of our pupi s T is acade ic attendance at a g ance disad antaged students stands in ed ter e c usions on t e i pressi e attitudes to ear saw t e introduction of triggering appropriate action earning during er ece er e perfor ance indicators inter ention n order to onitoring isit for a co eagues wit in t e faci itate t is two additiona e a iour and attendance Year anagers were appointed T is iew was a so refl ected in tea s o eagues wit in in Septe er to increase t e OFST report w ic t ese tea s understand t at capacit wit in t e inc usion identi ed an strengt s in t e are responsi e for t e tea T e introduction of t e t e persona de e op ent de i er of t ese s and t at position of t e o unit e a iour and safet section t eir perfor ance is re iewed Attendance iaison Of cer as of t e report stating eaders a f-ter ased upon t eir a so ed to an increase in t e a e een successfu in success in ac ie ing t e A nu er of o e isits per wee creating a positi e wor ing ig structured and espo e and t e success rate
42 T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding ELEVATING STANDARDS: upi s spo e ig of t e sc oo s cu ture EXCELLING IN ATTENDANCE AND of respect for di ersit and opportunities BEHAVIOUR AT LWA
A t oug t e nationa a erage ig e pectations in ter s uring t is acade ic ear • an teac ers now t eir incidents are dea t wit we for attendance is eeds of e a iour and conduct wa es of inter ention a e pupi s we and identif wa s staff est Acade as ade furt er T e ast a orit of students een de e oped and of supporting indi idua s to • upi s attending off-site i pro e ents fro ast ear s a ide t ese e pectations i p e ented in order to a e etter progress education are we oo ed o era gure T is eans t at on a dai asis and at ti es support t e students of eeds • upi s e a e we around after T eir teac ers now t ere as een an i pro e ent e ceed t ese e pectations est Acade astora t e sc oo and s ow respect t e we and co unicate in t e o era attendance gure nfortunate so e students staff identif students needs for eac ot er an concerns to sc oo for t e ast two ears n addition nd t is ore dif cu t espite and use t e arious e e s of • upi s spo e ig of t e eaders of students are a o e t e a s a nu er of students not support fro wit in t e wa es sc oo s cu ture of respect for • upi s said t at t e Acade target of eing a e to consistent eet of inter ention to ensure t at di ersit and opportunities appreciate t e support t at students t ese e pectations t ere a e arriers to earning are reduced for t e to de e op t eir t eir teac ers and ot er een p easing decreases in t e and t at students can a e understanding of e ua it adu ts pro ide for t e ersistent a senteeis nu er of e c usions at eeds progress • T e pupi s said t at t e • Re ations ips wit in t e attendance e ow in est Acade sc oo does not accept sc oo are er positi e was Our reported OFST isited eeds est an u ing and t at an gure in is a p easing T ere a e a so een signi cant Acade during a f Ter Ben Wheeler reduction a t oug t e nationa decreases in t e nu er and it is p easing to report t at gure for persistent a sence of e c usions at eeds est t e inspectors noted positi e is T is is an area w ere Acade during t e acade ic o ser ations fro t e area Associate rincipa eeds est Acade wi focus ear T is is o era of ersona e e op ent a ot of energ in n and for upi re iu students e a iour and e fare A order to i pro e progress ade se ection of t ese fo ow students attendance ust As we as t e p easing reductions increase furt er Our punctua it in t e nu er of e c usions • T ere is a positi e gures a e i pro ed a so ast during t is acade ic ear safeguarding cu ture in t e ear t e punctua it gure was eeds est as a so dra atica sc oo ecause eaders wit t e gure t is ear reduced t e nu er of da s a e pupi s safet a ig eing of e c usion T ere as een a priorit reduction in t e nu er of da s • upi s wor is we At eeds est Acade of fro Year of t e ositi e presented we a so ensure t at we a e iscip ine po ic
44 T e ite Rose Acade ies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 45 A NEW BEGINNING: STUDENT VOICE: WHITE ROSE PEOPLE WHAT’S CHANGED THIS YEAR?
This year, The White Rose Academies Trust has greatly expanded its “I started at Leeds City “There’s more support. We’ve family of education professionals. We’ve welcomed outstanding Academy three years ago, and been learning memory new teachers, in addition to subject specialists and experienced to me, it’s not like other schools techniques, using a piece of leaders with a record of transformation in education. We’re also - there’s something unique paper, reading it, turning it expanding and enhancing our support services to ensure our about it. It’s more connected; over and trying to remember as schools deliver an exceptional service to parents, carers and the Our schools it’s more diverse and it’s all much as you can which really wider community. deliver an round much better than any helps with memorizing key other school I’ve been to.” – dates.” – Year 11, Leeds West From teachers to technicians, from the classroom to the canteen; exceptional Year 11, Leeds City Academy Academy all of our staff share the outstanding ability to raise aspirations, service to unlock potential and secure the best possible future for the young “Teachers in Maths don’t just “We defi nitely get a lot of work people of Leeds. parents, carers help people who are really done in the lessons now; it’s and the good, but they help people very different you can see the To fi nd out more about our new people, visit leedseastacademy. who are struggling. They have change in the atmosphere. org.uk, leedswestacademy.org.uk, or leedscityacademy.org.uk wider set up an after school club We’re learning in all of the > The Academy > Our New Staff. community. for Maths to help students lessons, not spending time at improve.” – Year 9, Leeds City the beginning getting sorted For our new career opportunities, development programmes and Academy out.” - Year 9, Leeds East more, professionals can also follow The White Rose Academies Academy Trust LinkedIn pages at linkedin.com/company/white-rose- “One of the main things that’s academies-trust. different and really helps is that “I think it’s a good school the learning objectives are because no matter how old there and then the three arrows you are, or what problems you point down to boxes, and it gets have, there are now teachers harder each time, and that’s here who can help you. We all really helpful as it can tell you unite as one.” – Year 10, Leeds how to improve in the lesson. East Academy I think it’s been really useful at the start of the lesson.” – Year 8, Leeds West Academy
To hear more, visit Our Journey to Outstanding pages at:
leedseastacademy.org.uk leedscityacademy.org.uk leedswestacademy.org.uk
46 The White Rose Academies Trust A Refl ection of Year One - First Steps Towards Outstanding 47 The White Rose Academies Trust Intake Lane Leeds West Yorkshire LS13 1DQ E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.whiteroseacademies.org
@WRAcademies The White Rose Academies Trust
South Parkway Seacroft Leeds LS14 6TY TEL: 0113 273 1964 FAX: 0113 265 1261 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.leedseastacademy.org.uk
@LeedsEastWay Leeds East Academy
Bedford Field Woodhouse Cliff Leeds LS6 2LG TEL: 0113 284 4260 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.leedscityacademy.org.uk
@LeedsCityWay Leeds City Academy
Intake Lane Rodley Leeds LS13 1DQ TEL: 0113 229 5454 FAX: 0113 229 5522 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.leedswestacademy.org.uk
@LeedsWestWay Leeds West academy