New headteachers call for support as they aim to improve Grantham schools
The new headteachers of two of Grantham’s lowest performing schools have got robust plans to turn them around and have called on the community to get behind them.
West Grantham Academy St Hugh’s, now known as Bluecoat Meres Academy, was named as one of the worst performing schools in England in the school league tables after failing to meet the government’s minimum standards in 2018.
But since being taken over by Nottingham-based Archway Learning Trust earlier this year, significant changes have already started being made under the new leadership of head of school Claire McManus. Just two months ago they celebrated their first set of improved GCSE results for three years, a trend that Claire hopes will continue.
Archway, which is known to have a very successful track record of improving schools, also took over West Grantham Academy St John’s, now named Bluecoat Meres Primary Academy.
Despite receiving two ‘inadequate’ Ofsted reports in 18 months, Kate Hodson, who took over as headteacher last month, said that the future looks promising for the school and added that she has robust plans to address priorities highlighted in the report.
As both academies begin a new journey as Bluecoat Meres, the Journal met with both headteachers this week to hear about their plans to improve the schools and mend their reputation within the community.
What brought you both to teach in Grantham?
Claire: I was a vice principal and was looking for my first headship role and Archway has a fantastic reputation.I have always worked for challenging schools which is what also drew me here. I want to help move the school forward and make a difference to the kids here.
Kate: I have taught in Lincolnshire for 11 years and this is my fourth headship. The children here are phenomenal. They are so full of chatter and interest. They work so hard and have all been wearing their new uniform with pride. The staff are excited to move forward too. It’s a long journey but everyone is committed to that journey. It feels like we are part of a bigger family.
What changes are being made?
Claire: There are changes to the curriculum and all year groups now have a clear expectation of what is expected from them. There has also been training on staff knowledge to help deliver the new curriculum changes. We have also banned mobile phones which has made a massive difference as the children now know that they are there for a purpose and to learn. We have started as we mean to go on.
Kate: We now have clear actions and timelines are already written within our school development plan for this academic year. We can already feel the difference across both schools. Now that the behaviour has settled the schools feel warm, calm and purposeful. There seems to be a family feel. Every child is valued.
What challenges are you facing?
Claire: Reputation is one of the main ones. We have amazing staff and students and are now working in partnership with the parents. We now just need the community with us.
Kate: We are here to provide stability and move forward. We were faced with a multitude of different uniforms when we arrived. Now they wear their uniforms with pride.
What does the future look like for both academies?
Kate: Really promising. We still have a lot of work to do but I am confident that with continued support from Archway Learning Trust the academy will go from strength to strength.
We want the children to flourish. I feel really proud to be selected to lead this school.
Claire: As leaders we know what direction we want to take the school in and If anyone wants to know more, come and see us. Our doors are always open.
We are so proud of what we do. The pupils are sat on so much potential. We just need to ensure that they realise this too.
I absolutely love it here. It is the best job in the world.
