I visited Roseberry Community Academy School in Great Ayton to see first hand what benefits the school has from becoming an Academy.
The children were absolutely brilliant. I was shown around the school by a group of Year 6 students. I was struck by the good manners, enthusiasm and intellect on display. All the students were unfailingly bright and bubbly, from the Reception Class up. This is clearly a happy school where children are enjoying their learning.
Roseberry became an Academy last year and nearby Stokesley Secondary School is in the process of converting to Academy status.
Becoming an Academy gives a school a lot more freedom over its curriculum and finances. This allows teachers to be more responsive to the needs of their particular students rather than using a one-size-fits-all national policy.
The Principal, Mrs Helen Channing commented on how being part of a larger academy group was helpful for her staff. “The teachers here now benefit from fantastic training and learn best practice from a larger group of schools who are in the same trust as us. This is a big positive compared to how it used to be.”
I was happy to hear the students enjoyed the visit and decided to discuss democracy and the role of an MP at their next assembly! My favourite bit of the trip was singing some Frozen songs with the Reception kids - they are a big favourite with my two girls!