July 2019 It has been a year since I took on the role of Headteacher and what a year it has been!  There have been many challenges and also many reasons for celebration.  As I reflect on the year, and on the improvements and progress that we have made as a large group of people working together, I am extremely proud of what we have achieved so far.  I would like to say a huge “thank you” to many fabulous and talented people.

Thank you to all of the teaching and support staff within the academy.  They all work incredibly hard for the benefit of the students and support each other every day.  The determination and resilience they have shown this year has been fantastic and they have been superb role models for the young people within our care.  They have been supportive and trusting of me as their leader and I am truly grateful for their support.  North Kesteven Academy is a truly unique place to work and learn because of these people.

Thank you to all of the parents who have supported academy events through their attendance, donations of prizes and their time.  I have enjoyed talking to those of you who have come to the drop in sessions throughout the year – your feedback has been extremely valuable in moving the academy forward this year.  I believe that partnership between us and you is so important in supporting the students as they develop into adults and this is an area I would like to develop further into next year.

Thank you to the students who have embraced their own challenges this year and helped us to form the structure of the academy as we move into September.  They have been articulate, inquisitive and responsive – all in the right places – which has enabled us to shape the academy into next year.  Again, this is an area I would like to develop further.

Moving into September, we will have year groups led by Heads of Year with clear lines of communication for students, parents and staff.  We also introduce a House system, comprising of five houses, each led by a head of house.  Competitions will be organised frequently and link to raising money for local charities, chosen by the students.  This development allows students to work with younger and older students on a huge variety of different opportunities, from creating a small business to supporting with reading, to sports events.

It is a very exciting time for us as we move into the next phase of our rejuvenated culture agenda, with a persistent focus on teaching, learning and assessment.  This is made possible through the passion of our teaching and support staff, working together to support our students to achieve their very best.

I wish you a wonderful and safe summer break.