“As our report published last year showed, too many families simply do not have the opportunity to access a high-quality education. That is why it is right for new specialists 16-19 free schools to be prioritised in areas of limited provision and high deprivation.
For the competition, pupils debated the motion Farming can become carbon neutral in the future. In front of a panel of judges, students delivered an evidence-based response factoring in the scale of challenges facing the agriculture industry. Laurus Ryecroft beat four other schools on the award shortlist.
Located in Tameside, Greater Manchester, Laurus Ryecroft is a secondary free schools that opened in 2018. It is one of four free schools supported by the Laurus Trust.
Involving running, cycling and a final run, Sarah secured her first place and gold in the 50-54 British Age-Group in what was probably her best race ever and only her second international appearance, improving greatly from sixth place position previously in the European Champs last year in Punta Umbria.
Said Sarah: “I couldn't have hoped for a better race and with a year of injuries, no one could be more surprised than me, especially with the first run, a personal best of 19.20 for 5.1 km.
The prize came about because Sixth Form Geography students led by Head of Geography Mr. Smith wanted to improve traffic flow around Pinner High School. Mr. Smith explained “If we can get more students on bikes and out of their cars it improves the air quality around the school, and reduces congestion which makes the journey to school safer.
Emma Gregory, Head of the New School Network's Academy Ambassadors Programme, responds to a new report by Forum Strategy, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion amongst Academy Trust CEOs:
"Diversity and inclusion at trust board level has a transformative impact for pupils and staff alike. This welcome research shows the important consequences of absent diversity on the aspirations of future trust leaders.
XP Gateshead is a 11-16 secondary school, located in the North East. The school, which opened in 2021 is the third free school to open within the highly successful XP Trust, and the first school which is located outside of Doncaster. Like other XP free schools, XP Gateshead will use the expeditionary learning model of the XP School in Doncaster, which has been recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding in all areas.
Windrush CofE Primary School is a free school located in Witney, Oxfordshire. The school, which opened in 2021 is part of River Learning Trust and offers a broad, progressive education based on Christian values. Windrush CofE Primary School welcomes families of all faiths and none and has capacity for 315 pupils aged 4-11, plus 30 places in nursery for children aged 2-4.
Trinity Academy St. Edward’s is a secondary free school located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The school, which opened in 2021, is part of Trinity MAT. Pupils have a 25-hour week and have a curriculum with a STEM specialism which immerses pupils in each subject and extra-curricular events and experiences. The curriculum focuses consistently on the development of core skills within literacy and numeracy to enable children to become confident and skilled learners.
Trinity Academy Leeds is a secondary free school located in Yorkshire. The school which opened in 2021 is part of the Trinity Multi-Academy Trust. Trinity Academy Leeds offers a curriculum with a focus on literacy and maths, and has a performing arts specialism; all students have the opportunity to study dance, drama and music from the very start of their journey at the school.
The Trinity School is a secondary school located in Colchester, Essex. The school, which opened in 2021, is part of the Alpha Trust. In 2024 a primary free school will open on a shared site with The Trinity School. The two schools will share common beliefs, culture and ethos. The mission of the schools is to prepare resilient and responsible citizens, who are able to thrive in a modern society and compete in a global economy.