Achievement Award

Thackley Primary School

THACKLEY Primary School was nominated for the Achievement award by a parent who said it is run by an “extremely dedicated team”. 
Katy Green, who has two children at the school, said: “Thackley Primary School is an outstanding school led with passion and pride where every individual child’s needs are developed and nurtured, creating a learning environment where all children achieve their full potential. 
“The school is made up of an extremely dedicated team who all go above and beyond in everything they do.
“The communication with parents and carers is fantastic, you know that your child is in a safe, caring place and know exactly what they are being taught on the curriculum so you can help with learning at home.”
She also praised the school’s work to raise money for local good causes – recent years have seen the school collect large amounts of food for food banks and donate Easter eggs for children who may not be able to afford ones of their own.
Head Annette Patterson said: “Children hear about poverty and deprivation and we use charity as a way of teaching children about that, it is about giving them the tools to be able to make a difference. We don’t do it for recognition, we do it to give children that experience.”

Idle CofE Primary

IDLE C of E Primary School was nominated for the Achievement Award by a parent who praised its “high standards”.
The school was judged to be outstanding at its last Ofsted inspection.
Vicky Stubbs said: “I am nominating Idle C of E Primary School as I have two boys there currently, one in reception and the other in Year 2, and I have been so impressed with everything the school does for its pupils academically and personally, developing intelligent, thoughtful, well-rounded young members of society.
“The school has very high standards that it drives through working with the pupils, encouraging them to be the best they can for their ability. 
“The rate at which these children learn and develop is incredible. 
“They balance classroom activity with a wide range of in and out-of-hours clubs. There is one to suit all ages and interests.”
Head teacher John Bowers said: “It is all about motivation and enjoyment. We are so passionate about our jobs and we enjoy it so much, and we have a system that work and procedures that work. We don’t need outstanding teachers, we have outstanding procedures, and as long as people work together and follow those procedures it seems to work.”

Horton Park Primary

A PRIMARY school that achieved some of the best results in the most recent primary tables has been nominated for the Achievement award.
New measures by the Government, which look at progress of pupils rather than just outcomes, meant Horton Park Primary on the Canterbury estate recorded the highest percentage of pupils reaching required standards in the district, at 90 per cent.
The school was nominated by Hina Butt, whose children attend Horton Park, and who said: “I feel passionately about the school receiving recognition for its forward-thinking, innovative and flexible approach to engaging the children and their families in achieving the best outcomes. 
“My three children have been attending Horton Park for the past few years. During this time, I have seen the school grow from strength to strength. There is uniqueness about this school and can only be truly appreciated when you visit and walk around the school.”
Head Salma Rahman said: “We believe that deprivation and personal circumstances shouldn’t prevent children from reaching their full potential.”
Duncan Jacques, executive head, said: “We have a duty as educators to try and level the playing field for our communities.”