�鶹���� Academy Foxhills, in Scunthorpe, has been recognised for its outstanding careers work. The school has been awarded Gold in the national Quality in Careers Standard, awarded under licence by Ixion (Part of the Shaw Trust Group). The Quality in Careers Standard is awarded to schools and education providers who can demonstrate the importance they place on careers and how they support students to make decisions about their life after school.

�鶹���� Academy Foxhills, which is rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, is continually working to improve the chances and opportunities of all the students and recognises the importance of preparing all students for their future careers. There is a statutory duty to ‘secure independent careers guidance’ for all students from Year 8 onwards, and the Government also recommends that all schools should be required to work towards the national Quality in Careers Standard.

Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard shows that the principal, governors and leadership team at �鶹���� Academy Foxhills embrace, promote and endorse quality careers education, and recognise the part it plays in the overall success of the school and its students. To prepare students for life after school, they had access to over 60 hands-on employer encounters in 2025/26. Key experiences included workplace visits at British Steel, Scunthorpe Hospital, a British Aerospace experience, engineering projects with VolkerRail, an EcoPreneurs project in partnership with UCNL, Year 9 mock interview days, and an annual Careers Fair hosting 37 exhibitors.

Claire Bradbury, Careers Lead at the school, said:

“We are thrilled to have achieved Gold in the national Quality in Careers Standard awarded by Ixion. At Foxhills, we recognise the important role school plays in helping students develop their knowledge, skills and experience so they can go out into the world and achieve personal success.

“Our careers programme aims to excite, enthuse, and inform students about future career opportunities. Through industry connections, interactive workshops, and hands-on work activities, we turn career planning into an inspiring journey. We provide up-to-date information and targeted guidance to equip students with the tools to confidently navigate their next steps and achieve their potential, ensuring they are prepared for the next stage of their education, employment, self-employment or training.”

Academy Principal, Tracy Motson, added:

“At �鶹���� Academy Foxhills, our core mission is always 'Students First: Raising Standards and Transforming Lives.' Achieving the national Quality in Careers Standard Gold Award is a milestone that directly aligns with this vision. Providing high-quality careers education, inspiring aspirations, and opening doors to future pathways is central to how we truly transform lives. This recognition reflects the dedication of our whole staff team to ensuring every student leaves us with the confidence, knowledge, and direction needed for long-term personal success.”

Highlighting the effectiveness of the careers provision, the assessor reported that “All students regardless of ability are able to leave �鶹���� Academy Foxhills with the skills, knowledge and aspiration to make excellent choices about their futures."

To find out more about �鶹���� Academy Foxhills, you can attend the upcoming open evening, which will be taking place on 29th September from 5 pm – 7 pm. More information can be found at

�鶹���� Primary Academy Kirkhamgate is celebrating an extraordinary year of academic performance after newly published assessments revealed outcomes at the school significantly outperform national averages at every milestone from Early Years through to Year 6.

Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, the academy continues to deliver exceptional academic achievements. The school’s Key Stage 2 results proved particularly outstanding, with 100% of Year 6 pupils achieving the expected standard in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics combined. This places the academy an impressive 39 percentage points ahead of the national average, with 100% of pupils individually attaining expected standards in each subject area.

The strong academic foundation begins early at �鶹���� Primary Academy Kirkhamgate, where 83% of children achieved a Good Level of Development in the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile, performing 15 percentage points above national figures. This success extends across all of the school's developmental stages. In Year 1, 100% of pupils passed the Phonics Screening Check, exceeding the national benchmark by 20 percentage points. Meanwhile, in the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check, 83% of pupils achieved a perfect score of 25 out of 25, more than double the national figure of 37%, contributing to an average pupil score of 24.6.

The exceptional standard of learning across all key stages reflects the high-quality curriculum design, targeted reading interventions, and calm, aspirational environment embedded throughout the school community.

Matthew Vickers, Principal at �鶹���� Primary Academy Kirkhamgate, said:

“These incredible results are a testament to the hard work, determination, and pride shown by our pupils every single day. Our staff work tirelessly to create a caring, ambitious environment where every child feels supported to achieve their full potential. To see our pupils perform so far beyond national benchmarks across all key stages fills our entire school community with immense pride.”

Sarah Fozzard, Year 6 Teacher, added:

“Working with our Year 6 cohort this past year has been an absolute privilege. Achieving a 100% pass rate across Reading, Writing, and Mathematics is a remarkable accomplishment for the children. They approached their learning with such enthusiasm and resilience, laying a truly fantastic foundation for their step up to secondary school.”

Prospective parents and carers looking to secure an exceptional start for their child’s education are invited to attend the upcoming Nursery Open Evening on Thursday 15th October, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The event offers local families the opportunity to meet the early years team, tour the facilities, and experience the school's supportive learning environment first-hand.

For further information or to enquire about admissions, please contact the school on 01924 907436, email enquiries@kirkhamgate.outwood.com, or visit . The school is located on Brandy Carr Road, Kirkhamgate, Wakefield, WF2 0RS.

�鶹���� Academy Danum is celebrating a sporting milestone after being officially awarded the prestigious Gold School Games Mark.

The School Games Mark is a government-led award scheme designed to evaluate how effectively schools integrate sport and healthy living into their everyday culture. Earning the Gold tier places �鶹���� Academy Danum among a select group of schools nationwide that consistently go above and beyond the standard curriculum. For the school community, it affirms that every student, regardless of their starting point, skill level, or background, is given an equal opportunity to move, compete, and flourish. 

The school has tailored its sporting offer to the needs of its pupils not only in lessons, but with extra curricular enrichment opportunities as well, making the achievement particularly special for the PE department. The academy’s enrichment calendar features a wide range of free sessions each week, spanning everything from football to cheerleading. 

Beyond the core physical education curriculum, students are also given exciting opportunities to develop valuable real-world skills by completing nationally recognised Sports Leadership qualifications. Through these structured programmes, participants gain hands-on experience by organising sports events, coaching younger peers, and leading community activities. This not only builds confidence, communication, and teamwork, but it also provides a fantastic stepping stone for future employment, higher education, and personal growth. 

Sally King, Head of PE at the school, said:

“We are thrilled to receive the Gold School Games Mark, a well-earned badge of honour that reflects the genuine effort, teamwork, and determination present across the entire school community every day. Earning this award showcases the passion and hard work our PE team puts into expanding extra-curricular clubs, developing student leaders, and making sport inclusive and exciting for every student. As we focus on sustaining this momentum, I couldn't be prouder of everything we've achieved together!”

Students from �鶹���� schools are celebrating exceptional GCSE results today. Their remarkable resilience and dedication have once again led to outstanding achievements, reflecting the high standards of teaching and learning throughout the Trust.

This year’s GCSE results highlight the significant progress made by students across a broad range of subjects. The Trust saw particularly high attainment rates in subjects such as Chemistry, with 93% of students achieving a Grade 5 or higher. Spanish saw 74% of students secure a Grade 5+. 83% of Photography students were awarded a Grade 4+, and 93% of students achieved a pass or higher in Dance.

Cara Ackroyd, Executive Principal at �鶹����, said:

“Massive congratulations to our students on a fantastic set of GCSE results. Their hard work has rightly been rewarded today. This success also reflects our dedicated staff, who work relentlessly to support our young people in achieving their best and unlocking exciting new pathways for their future.”

Students and teachers across the �鶹���� family of schools have been celebrating another successful results day.

Students have once again showcased remarkable resilience, dedication, and academic excellence, putting in the hard work over the last two years to achieve impressive grades in their chosen subjects. Many students are now set to attend their top-choice universities, including Oxford and Cambridge to study competitive fields like Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Law, while others are embarking on high-profile degree apprenticeships with industry leaders like Rolls-Royce.

An impressive 19% of Year 13 students across the �鶹���� family achieved A* - A grades, with 64% securing A*- C.

Key subject highlights include:

• Further Maths: 93% A* - C and a 100% pass rate

• Criminology: 76% A* - C and a 99% pass rate

• T Level Health (running at �鶹���� Academy Adwick, Doncaster): 100% pass rate

Cara Ackroyd, Executive Principal at �鶹����, said:

“Huge congratulations to all our post-16 students on these fantastic results. The commitment and hard work demonstrated by both students and staff over the last two years have been exemplary. Across our family of schools, we are absolutely delighted to see so many young people opening the doors to their chosen futures today.”

Inspectors praised the school in areas relating to inclusion and personal development and wellbeing, noting, “Pupils are at the centre here. Leaders act in the best interests of pupils. They care for them and want them to flourish” and recognised that “Pupils feel included and cared for at �鶹���� Redcar”, adding, “Staff know pupils well and meet their individual needs. The welcome hub supports pupils as soon as they arrive at school and helps them to be ready for learning.”

Highlights of the report include:

• Supporting disadvantaged pupils is a priority. Leaders target extra support effectively. 

• Pupils benefit from a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom.

• [Pupils] learn to become determined and committed to doing their best. They know they are accountable for what they do and that they need to respect everyone.

• The careers programme is impactful. It includes workplace experiences. 

• The extra support that pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive is effective.

• Pupils say they feel safe.

• Many teachers build positive relationships with pupils and communicate high expectations clearly. 

• Leaders have prioritised developing reading across the school. 

Gemma Trattles, Community Executive Principal at �鶹���� Academy Redcar, said:

“We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the warm, inclusive, and supportive environment we work so hard to create here at �鶹���� Academy Redcar. Hearing that our pupils feel cared for, safe, and empowered to flourish is a true testament to the dedication of our fantastic staff, our wonderful students, and the strong relationships we have built with parents and our local community.

“While we are proud of the many highlights in this report, from our impactful careers guidance and reading initiatives to our strong pastoral care, we are never complacent. We view this feedback not just as a celebration of our progress, but as a roadmap for the future. We are fully committed to continuous improvement, taking on board every recommendation to ensure we refine our curriculum delivery, build on our high expectations, and ensure every single pupil receives the highest standard of education and support to reach their full potential.”

A student from �鶹���� Academy Haydock has beaten over 650 entrants from across the country to win a prestigious national jewellery design competition.

14-year-old Josh Lacey was crowned the winner of the Goldsmiths’ Institute National Signet Ring Design Competition at a ceremony held at Aston University. To celebrate his victory, Josh was presented with a beautiful, professionally manufactured version of his own custom-designed signet ring.

The Goldsmiths' Institute Annual Jewellery Awards, sponsored by the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), is a national competition that celebrates and nurtures creative young talent across Key Stages 2 through 5 and attracted over 650 entries from across the United Kingdom.

One of seven entries submitted by the school’s Young Designers club, Josh’s unique, creative design caught the eyes of the expert panel of judges, earning him a spot as one of just three national finalists and an exclusive invitation to the awards ceremony in Birmingham.

Ahead of the ceremony, Josh spent an inspiring day exploring the rich heritage and modern future of British jewellery design in Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter, touring the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, and exploring the perfectly preserved Smith and Pepper factory. The visit offered a fascinating look at the highly demanding conditions faced by 19th-century craftspeople. Josh also met with representatives from the NAJ to learn about the diverse, cutting-edge career pathways available in the modern jewellery and manufacturing sectors.

The day culminated at Aston University, an institution widely renowned for its pioneering jewellery education. Amidst an audience of industry professionals, educators, and fellow designers, Josh was announced as the overall national winner.

The highlight of the evening came when Josh was handed the physical reality of his hard work: a stunning, professionally crafted signet ring produced exactly to his winning specifications.

Reflecting on the incredible achievement, Richard Weaver, Regional Assistant Principal at �鶹���� Academy Haydock, said:

“We are incredibly proud of Josh. To win a national competition of this scale, competing against more than 650 students, is an extraordinary feat. Josh has shown remarkable creativity and dedication.”

The conference offered a diverse programme designed to challenge traditional thinking, strengthen classroom practice, and connect colleagues from across the teaching profession.

The day opened with an inspiring keynote from Pedro de Bruyckere entitled “The Power of Together.” De Bruyckere explored the evidence behind collective efficacy, examining how schools can create optimal conditions to foster a shared belief in success among both teachers and students.

Following a day of collaborative learning, the conference concluded with a closing keynote from Lee Wilson, CEO at �鶹����. His address, “Best Bets and Bold Ideas,” offered vital reflections on how the education sector must strike a balance between the security of established research and the confidence to innovate and test new ideas.

Throughout the day, delegates selected from more than thirty specialised workshops covering a vast array of educational priorities. Sessions focused on curriculum design, cognitive science, literacy, behaviour management, SEND, artificial intelligence, governance, professional development, school improvement, and leadership. Crucially, workshops encouraged attendees not only to engage with the research but to consider how these evidence-informed approaches could be translated into meaningful, everyday classroom practice.

The event featured an outstanding line-up of national speakers, including Kate Jones, Bradley Busch, Claire Badger, Cat Scutt, Martin Robinson, David Goodwin, Stuart Kime, Ben Newmark, and Steve Mastin.

These national experts shared the stage with a wealth of talent from across the �鶹����, including Jackie Gray, Paul Taylor, Vic Ashton, Emma Hudson, Scott Morton, and Matthew Hunt, showcasing the immense expertise that exists both within the Trust and the wider profession.

An event of this scale was made possible through the generosity and collaboration of numerous partners. The OIE extended its sincere thanks to headline sponsor, the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT), alongside sponsor Evidence Based Education. Their support, along with that of the event's many exhibitors, created valuable opportunities for delegates to network with organisations committed to educational excellence.

Gratitude was also expressed to the speakers who volunteered their time, the trust-wide staff volunteers, student ambassadors, catering teams, and the colleagues at �鶹���� Academy Adwick, whose professionalism ensured the day ran smoothly.

Hosting the first researchED Yorkshire represents a major milestone for the �鶹���� Institute of Education, reflecting its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for educators to engage critically with research and learn from one another.

Organisers thanked everyone who attended, contributed to, and supported the inaugural event, expressing high hopes that this marks the beginning of a long and successful future for researchED in the Yorkshire region.

Interested in attending the national researchED on 5th September? Use the button below to register:

Ofsted has praised �鶹���� Primary Academy Greystone following a two-day inspection on 23 and 24 June.

Across all areas inspected, the school was graded as a ‘strong standard’. Inspectors praised the school, saying, “�鶹���� Primary Academy Greystone is a place where pupils feel safe and valued. They thrive academically and socially at this friendly and supportive school.”

Highlights of the report include:

• Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils, make strong progress from their individual starting points.

• Behaviour throughout the school is excellent. Classrooms are an oasis of calm, where pupils are focused and engaged on their learning.

• By the time pupils leave the school, they are well prepared for the next stage of their education. They leave with secure knowledge and skills in reading, writing and mathematics.

• Pupils with SEND receive the physical resources or adult support they need to make rapid progress.

• Warm, caring relationships between pupils and staff help pupils feel like they belong to the school community. 

• Rates of attendance are consistently above national averages for all groups of pupils.

• Staff morale at the school is high. They feel valued and well supported pastorally and professionally.

• Parents and carers speak highly of the school and feel well informed about their children's progress. 

• Pupils develop a clear understanding of their own identity, of others' perspectives and of the diverse world in which they live. 

Sam McCarthy, Head of School at �鶹���� Primary Academy Greystone, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled with our latest Ofsted report, which beautifully reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire school community. Every day, our staff go above and beyond to ensure the absolute best outcomes for our children, and I am incredibly proud that their tireless efforts, alongside our pupils' wonderful achievements, have been officially recognised in such a glowing way.

“This success belongs to everyone: our talented staff, our inspiring children, and our wonderfully supportive families. I’d like to thank them all for their continued partnership as we keep striving for excellence.”

Four trailblazing students from �鶹���� Grange Academy in Wakefield are making national history this month by becoming the first ever qualified Restart-a-Heart Ambassadors in the United Kingdom.

An extension of the Restart a Heart Day initiative, which has seen Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers teach CPR to over 311,432 students during more than 1,397 school visits over the last 12 years, Year 10 students Anya Topham, Celine Maina, Ava Kinsey, and Ifra Iqbal, Year 12, have successfully undertaken a Yorkshire Ambulance Service training programme to secure their qualification. Unlike typical first-aid courses, this qualification officially empowers and certifies these students to teach life-saving CPR to others.

The ambitious journey began with the students completing eight intensive independent learning modules under the guidance of school staff. Following this, Yorkshire Ambulance Service delivered a unique six-week training programme. This term, the students put their skills to the test, teaching CPR to Year 7 students. To fully qualify, they had to meet strict criteria while being rigorously observed by Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal at the school, who leads the initiative. By completing the programme, the students have also secured a Basic Life Support Instructor (BLSi) qualification.

Beyond the classroom, the newly qualified ambassadors have already extended their skills to the wider public. On Saturday, 27th June, they joined forces with Yorkshire Ambulance Service to support and deliver vital life-saving training directly to the local community, and are planning to deliver more sessions this summer as part of the �鶹���� ‘Out There’ community action programme.

To celebrate this UK-first, a special recognition event was held on Tuesday, 14th July, at �鶹���� Grange Academy. Representatives from �鶹���� and Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended, alongside Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Helen Mack BEM DL, official representative of King Charles III.

Julekha Motara said:

“Becoming the first qualified Restart-a-Heart Ambassadors in the UK is an outstanding achievement, and we are incredibly proud of our students' dedication and resilience. They have not only mastered life-saving skills for themselves, but are now fully equipped to pass that knowledge on, helping to build a generation of young people with the confidence to act in an emergency.

“We were deeply honoured that Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Helen Mack BEM DL joined us to present the certificates and mark this proud UK-first milestone. Her presence truly elevated the celebration for our students.

“Our gratitude also goes to Yorkshire Ambulance Service for their vital partnership in making this pioneering initiative possible. It has been a pleasure to work with Jason Carlyon MBE, and we look forward to this partnership growing as we move into the new school year, ready to train our next cohort of life-saving ambassadors.”

Jason Carlyon MBE, Community Engagement Manager at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, added:

“It has been a real pleasure to work with pupils at �鶹���� Grange Academy and roll out the Restart-a-Heart Ambassador Programme. The invaluable life-saving skills this cohort has acquired can now be shared more widely, and I know they will have the confidence to teach others both in school and within their local community. They have become role models and are now inspiring their peers.”

The initiative aims to dramatically improve cardiac arrest survival rates, as a patient’s chance of survival can double if bystander CPR is started as soon as possible after a collapse.

Three community-minded Year 12 students from �鶹���� Post 16 Centre, Valley Road, have taken a proactive step to boost early years literacy in their local community after being inspired by the National Literacy Trust's "Go All In" National Year of Reading campaign.

The students delivered the project as part of the "Out There" programme, an initiative which provides students across the �鶹���� Family of Schools, aged 5-18, with resources and funding to spearhead volunteering projects within their communities. Emily Ollier, Alexander Oldham, and Kiana Lam, using the name "Team Bookworms", collaborated with Little Acorns Pre-School in Shireoaks to create, design, and deliver a bespoke storybook tailored specifically for the children.

The book was uniquely crafted in collaboration with the pre-school to ensure the content mirrored the children’s real-world experiences during the past year of preschool. Then, on Wednesday, 8 July, the students visited Little Acorns to read the story aloud and lead an interactive workshop.

To help the children prepare for their upcoming transition to primary school, the Post 16 students supported them in writing their names in the books, a key milestone for children to meet during the Early Years Foundation Stage. The children also got to customise their new books using stickers created by the students themselves.

Beyond the reading session, the team discussed favourite books with the children and actively promoted the National Summer Reading Challenge at Worksop Library, where Emily and Alexander will be volunteering over the school holidays. Every child walked away with a book featuring a QR code that allows parents to easily scan it and sign up for the summer initiative online.

Sue Turner, manager at Little Acorns, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Post 16 students as part of their Out There project. They brought genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, and it was fantastic to see them engage with the session, asking thoughtful questions and sharing their ideas with confidence.

“The students demonstrated a real commitment to learning beyond the classroom, and moments like this help to broaden horizons and build skills for their next steps.”

Janette Shea, head of centre at �鶹���� Post 16 Centre Worksop, added:

“We are immensely proud of Emily, Alex, and Kiana for taking the initiative to support early literacy in our local area. The 'Out There' programme is designed to empower students to make a meaningful difference in their communities, and Team Bookworms has done exactly that. It is wonderful to see them inspire these young children while also discovering a personal passion for teaching along the way.”

The project has not only made a lasting impression on the pre-school children but has also sparked a profound shift in the career aspirations of the teenagers involved; all three students shared that they are now seriously considering teaching as a career option.

YPO has now donated £3,740 worth of products to 42 �鶹���� Schools across the North of England, helping hundreds of young people deliver community projects through the trust's award-winning Out There programme.

As the headline sponsor of Out There, the Wakefield-based public sector organisation is supporting students aged 5-18 in designing and leading volunteer projects that create positive change in their local communities until the end of August. 

The donation, worth £3,740, includes 119 product lines, such as pens, pencils, whiteboard markers, glue sticks, and arts and crafts materials, which will be used by schools across Yorkshire, the North East, the North West, and Nottinghamshire.

The resources will help students deliver a wide range of projects over the summer holidays, from tackling loneliness in care homes and supporting physical and mental wellbeing initiatives to developing eco-friendly schemes and improving local green spaces.

The donation demonstrates YPO's commitment to creating social value and supporting young people in making a positive impact in their communities. 

It also aligns with the organisation's ongoing efforts to reduce stock wastage by donating discontinued products to initiatives that deliver meaningful community benefit.

The most recent donation comes after YPO donated £9,300 worth of discontinued stock in 2025, totalling more than £13k over the past 18 months in donations. The stock was donated to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations as part of YPO’s waste-prevention strategy and commitment to supporting communities.

Andrea Smith, YPO’s Executive Director, said:

“We are proud to support Out There and the incredible work young people are doing to make a difference in their communities.

“This donation is one way we are demonstrating our commitment to community action and education, while ensuring good-quality products continue to create value rather than go to waste.

“Our support for Out There goes beyond product donations. As headline sponsor, we have committed financial support and will also share our expertise, facilities and services to help the programme grow and reach even more young people.”

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at �鶹����, commented:

“We are incredibly grateful to YPO for their continued generosity and shared vision. This substantial donation of resources will go a long way in helping our students bring their community projects to life; having the right tools truly makes all the difference.

"YPO’s support as headline sponsor for the Out There programme not only provides essential practical resources but also inspires our pupils to think creatively about how they can positively impact their local areas. With this backing, we are excited to see our students drive meaningful change across our school communities.”

This year, the Trust is aiming to engage 20,000 students and deliver more than 5,000 community projects.

Since November 2024, �鶹���� Primary Academy Bell Lane has proudly partnered with Grundschule Miesbach, a primary school in Germany. The partnership is made possible through the UK German Connection, an organisation dedicated to bringing young people from both countries closer together.

Being partner schools is a year-round collaboration. Every summer, staff at �鶹���� Primary Academy Bell Lane map out a programme of events for the upcoming academic year. From penfriend letters and live video calls to comparing local areas and celebrating each other’s traditional festivals, the pupils love gaining a global perspective.

To strengthen these international bonds, Claire Groves, a teacher at the Ackworth-based school, recently embarked on a four-day visit to Germany, spending three action-packed days immersed in school life at Grundschule Miesbach.

During the visit, Mrs Groves spent time teaching across various classrooms, giving the German pupils a firsthand look at daily life in a British primary school. Beyond Grundschule Miesbach, she also toured the neighbouring middle school, met with staff and the principal to plan future projects, and explored the local area. A true highlight of the trip was joining in the fun at their community school festival!

Commenting on the trip, Mrs Groves said:

“It was an absolute privilege to visit Grundschule Miesbach and experience their wonderful school community firsthand. Teaching the children and sharing what life is like at �鶹���� Primary Academy Bell Lane was a joy, and they were so eager to learn about our culture. Meeting with the staff and the principal allowed us to lay some fantastic groundwork for the future.

“A huge thank you to the UK German Connection and everyone at Grundschule Miesbach for making me feel so incredibly welcome. This visit has truly strengthened our bond, and I cannot wait to see our partnership continue to flourish.”

Following the successful trip, plans are already in motion for the next school year to keep this international momentum going. Alongside regular festival celebrations and penfriend exchanges, several exciting collaborative projects will be launched:

Pupils will link their art topics, focusing on the theme of "Mountains", a striking, everyday feature of the German landscape.

Children will share and critique each other's artwork inspired by the famous artists Giuseppe Arcimboldo and Pablo Picasso.

An interactive, digital Advent calendar will be created to share and celebrate unique Christmas traditions in both the UK and Germany.

Three schools in Worksop are celebrating after a week of international collaboration. �鶹���� Academy Portland, �鶹���� Academy Valley and �鶹���� Post 16 Centre Worksop hosted a delegation of students and staff from Longcheng High School in Shenzhen, China, on a five-day programme. The immersive visit gave students from both nations an invaluable taste of global citizenship.

The visit officially commenced on Monday, 22nd June, opening with a Welcome Ceremony held at �鶹���� Academy Valley. The event kicked off with a welcome reception and a student piano performance. Official welcome addresses were delivered by Katy Bradford, Deputy CEO at �鶹���� (OGAT), and Community Executive Principal Carolyn Blundell, along with a keynote speech by Post 16 student Cameron Holt. The morning concluded with an exchange of gifts and further musical numbers performed by students.

Throughout the week, the visiting students were paired with local Post 16 buddies and student hosts. The visitors experienced a fully immersive look into British education, integrating directly into daily secondary and Post 16 lessons, exploring practical workshops, and attending after-school enrichment activities. 

Reflecting on the long-term impact of the partnership, Carolyn Blundell stated:

“The visit proved to be quite an inspirational experience for both students and staff; the warmth with which our students welcomed the Chinese students was quite spectacular. At the end of the week, our Chinese guests were keen to remain with us, and their teachers shared that they had been profoundly positively impacted by their experience of the British education system, with some hoping to return to the UK to undertake their university studies. I do not doubt that the young people of Worksop and Shenzhen also made global connections for life.”

The memorable week concluded on Friday, 26th June, with a Closing Ceremony which included the recital of a poem written by Worksop students, and a special musical performance from the Longcheng High School students, followed by a closing address from �鶹���� Academy Portland Principal Danielle Sheehan. The exchange concluded with a formal presentation of certificates and gift presentations to celebrate the lasting bonds formed between Worksop and Shenzhen.  

This immersive visit marks the first major milestone in an ongoing collaborative exchange programme facilitated alongside the Global School Alliance (GSA). Looking ahead, the �鶹���� family of Schools has outlined plans for a reciprocal student trip in April 2027, which will see local Year 8 students travel to China for a multi-city cultural expedition and a first-hand immersion experience inside Chinese partner schools.

The �鶹���� Institute of Education (OIE) has welcomed a cohort of 27 interns, commencing the Department for Education’s (DfE) flagship Teaching Internship Programme for 2026. This year’s cohort marks the programme's ninth year being delivered by the OIE. 

The three-week programme, which runs from Monday 22 June to Friday 10 July 2026, provides second, third, and fourth-year undergraduates, as well as Master’s students, with a fully immersive experience in secondary education. The 27 successful applicants will be placed across �鶹���� secondary academies in Yorkshire & Humber, Tees Valley, Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, and Lancashire.

Designed to inspire the next generation of teachers, the internship focuses on key STEM, language, and technical subjects, including Maths, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Languages (French, Spanish, and German), and Design Technology.

The programme takes an incremental and tailored approach, aligning with each intern’s individual skills and confidence. Under the guidance of dedicated �鶹���� mentors, the interns will gain comprehensive, practical experience ranging from observing experienced practitioners to delivering supported in-classroom assistance, leading small-group work, and providing intensive 1:1 student support. They will participate in the joint planning and delivery of live secondary lessons, explore wider school roles within the Trust, and get an insight into teachers' responsibilities beyond the classroom. 

Interns in this year’s cohort are from a range of prestigious universities nationwide, including the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Durham University, University of Warwick, Lancaster University, University of Sheffield, University of Leeds, University of York and Newcastle University.

Alongside school placements, the cohort will receive formal training and subject-specific sessions delivered by experienced specialists. To recognise their commitment, interns will receive a payment of £1,365 (£455 per week) upon completion of the full three-week programme.

The experience will culminate in a celebration event, hosted at the OIE in Doncaster. This finale will feature expert inputs from a DfE Explore Teaching Adviser and the National Institute of Teaching, who will share insights into Initial Teacher Training (ITT) pathways, guiding the future teachers toward the next steps on their professional journeys.

Candice Phillips, School Standards & Improvement Partner at OGAT, said:

“We are delighted to welcome our 2026 teaching interns to the �鶹���� family. This immersive programme provides a unique, hands-on look at life in the classroom. Through a powerful combination of mentorship, practical experience, and expert training, we hope to inspire a lifelong passion for teaching and highlight the incredible difference they can make in young people's lives.”

For more information about the Teaching Internship Programme or future cohorts, please visit the OIE website.

Staff at �鶹���� (OGAT) successfully conquered a weekend of endurance challenges, raising a phenomenal total of £14,745 for the Trust’s student-led community action programme, 'Out There'.

Over the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, teachers and support staff swapped their classrooms for the great outdoors, pushing through physical exhaustion to secure funding that will empower young people to transform their local communities.

The incredible fundraising total was achieved across two major events:

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge (Saturday 13th June): A team of 62 walkers took on the iconic 24-mile trek across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Battling over 5,000 feet of vertical ascent, their efforts raised an astounding £13,237.

The Leeds 10K (Sunday 14th June): Keeping the momentum alive, the following morning, 14 runners hit the pavement to represent the Trust in the city-centre road race, raising a fantastic £1,508.

Money raised from the weekend will help fund the �鶹���� Out There initiative. The programme provides students aged 5–18 with resources and funding to spearhead their own volunteering projects, ranging from environmental clean-ups and sustainability drives to intergenerational care home visits and inclusivity projects.

Louise Caldwell, Grant & Fundraising Development Officer at �鶹����, said:

“We are absolutely blown away by the resilience of our staff and the incredible generosity of everyone who donated. Both events were physically challenging for staff, but knowing that every step was funding vital community projects for our pupils kept everyone moving forward. This total will go a very long way in helping our young people restore pride and positivity to their local communities.”

While the challenges are complete, donations remain open for those who still wish to support the initiative. To find out more, please visit the Out There webpage.

Colleagues from across the �鶹���� Family of Schools have been officially recognised for their dedication in this year’s prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards.

Chosen from thousands of nominees nationwide, the award recipients were celebrated at a special event held on National Thank a Teacher Day (Wednesday 17 June) at the �鶹���� Institute of Education in Doncaster.

In total, 29 teachers, leaders, support staff, and schools from across �鶹���� (OGAT) were honoured for the lasting impact they have on shaping the lives of young people. Among the accolades, 11 individuals received Certificates of Achievement, and five were Highly Commended.

The Trust also celebrated four prestigious Bronze Award winners:

• Secondary School of the Year: �鶹���� Academy Foxhills, Scunthorpe

• Secondary School of the Year: �鶹���� Academy Newbold, Chesterfield

• Unsung Hero: Paula Thomas (�鶹���� Academy Foxhills)

• Transformational Use of Technology: Osprey digital learning platform (�鶹���� Academies across Nottinghamshire and Sheffield)

Lee Wilson, CEO at OGAT, who hosted the celebration event and presented staff with their certificates, said:

“I am incredibly proud of all our colleagues who have been recognised. These awards reflect the relentless hard work, passion, and dedication that defines the �鶹���� Family. Every single day, our staff go above and beyond to put students first, raise standards, and transform lives. To see so many individuals and schools celebrated on a national stage is a testament to the communities we have built together.”

Celebrating the education community as a whole, National Thank a Teacher Day, and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.

Pupils at �鶹���� Primary Academy Alne are celebrating an artistic milestone after having their artwork selected for display at the prestigious National Gallery in London. This is the third consecutive year that the school has achieved this national honour.

The achievement is part of the National Gallery’s ‘Take One Picture’ initiative, an annual programme that invites primary schools across the UK to use a single painting from the gallery's collection as a springboard for cross-curricular learning and creative exploration.

This year, the Year 3 and 4 children, guided by their teacher, Mrs Harpin, focused their creative energy on Canaletto’s famous 18th-century masterpiece, A Regatta on the Grand Canal. Inspired by the vibrant energy, crowds, and movement in the painting, the young artists decided to channel their ideas into a series of celebration-themed textiles. 

The selection process is highly competitive. Out of 362 schools nationwide that submitted entries, �鶹���� Primary Academy Alne was one of just 35 schools chosen to have their work physically displayed in the gallery. Commenting on the success, Mrs Harpin said:

“We are delighted to exhibit once again at such a prestigious event. To be selected for the National Gallery once is an incredible achievement, but to have our children's work exhibited for a third year in a row is a reflection of their immense creativity, hard work, and unique perspective.”

The children's artwork is currently open to the public and will remain on display until the end of August 2026. Visitors can view the exhibition in the Roden Centre for Creative Learning at the National Gallery, located in Trafalgar Square, London. Admission to the exhibition is free. 

For more details about the programme and to see the digital exhibition space, visit the National Gallery website.

Tadiwa Nyikadzino, a Year 11 student at �鶹���� Academy Valley, has achieved national recognition by winning a prize at the Big Bang Competition 2026.

The Big Bang Competition is the UK’s premier youth science and engineering competition, designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements across science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

Following a competitive finals day at the NEC in Birmingham, Tadiwa was named the winner of the Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award. Tadiwa's project was the ‘Generation hybrid cargo ship powered by forces of the ocean’ that produces its own clean hydrogen fuel while travelling. The design was inspired after Tadiwa learned that cargo ships contribute significantly to global pollution, and she identified a need for cleaner transport solutions. By generating fuel on board using wind and hydro energy, the design avoids reliance on hydrogen refuelling ports, and supports more sustainable global shipping.

The Network Rail Innovation in Transport Award recognises young innovators who display exceptional forward-thinking solutions to modern transport challenges. By securing the win, Tadiwa has cemented her place among the UK's brightest young STEM minds.

Tadiwa’s victory came after an intense, high-energy day of judging, during which she spent just under five hours showcasing her innovative project to thousands of attendees. Facing a steady stream of peers, educators, and industry experts, Tadiwa demonstrated exceptional communication skills and technical knowledge.

Teachers praised her performance, noting that she was a credit to �鶹���� Academy Valley. Throughout the five-hour showcase, she talked through her project at her booth with confidence, maturity and enthusiasm, engaging judges and visitors alike.

To learn more about the competition and view the full list of this year's champions, visit the official Big Bang Competition winners page.

�鶹���� Staff Set for Epic Weekend of Challenges to Support ‘Out There’ programme

This coming weekend, almost 80 members of staff from �鶹���� (OGAT) will swap their classrooms and offices for hiking boots and running shoes to tackle two challenges and raise vital funds for the Trust's flagship community action programme, �鶹���� Out There.

Over the weekend of Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June, staff from across the family of schools will push their physical limits to support the student-led programme that transforms communities across the North of England.

The weekend's fundraising efforts will be split into two massive events. First, on Saturday 13 June, a team of 66 staff members will take on the legendary Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. The trek requires walkers to conquer the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, covering 24 miles of rugged terrain and over 5,000 feet of ascent, all inside a demanding 12-hour target window.

Then, on Sunday 14 June, a second wave of 13 staff members will keep the momentum alive, hitting the streets for the Leeds 10K. Starting outside the University of Leeds, runners will push through the city's vibrant streets, cheered on by spectators.

All funds raised across the weekend will directly benefit ‘Out There’, a Trust-wide programme that empowers young people aged 5-18 to get outside the classroom and spearhead their own community action projects. From bridging generational gaps by visiting local care homes to building inclusive environments for children with physical differences and cleaning up local green spaces, �鶹���� Out There gives pupils the autonomy and resources to tackle real-world issues right on their doorsteps.

Julie Slater, chief executive principal at OGAT, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many colleagues dedicating their own time to fundraise for ‘Out There’. This truly demonstrates an exceptional level of commitment to our students and school communities. While the Three Peaks challenge, covering 24 miles and tackling three major climbs, is bound to test us both physically and mentally (and I admit, I have a few nerves myself!), I know it will be an incredibly rewarding experience. I have no doubt that both events will be filled with fun and a tremendous team spirit.”

Donations to the ‘Out There’ programme can be made via JustGiving. They will go directly toward funding student projects and building the ‘prize bank’ that celebrates youth-led community achievements at the annual Out There Awards.

To find out more about sponsoring the initiative, please visit the �鶹���� Out There webpage.