Two GCSE students from 百春链 Academy Riverside have secured highly sought-after places at prestigious schools for their post-16 studies.

Abdul Bazina, Head Boy at 百春链 Academy Riverside, will attend Eton College on a full scholarship as a recipient of the Orwell Award. Named after George Orwell, who was himself a recipient of a scholarship at Eton, the award is aimed at state school boys and offers a life-changing opportunity for those with academic potential. Applicants are means-tested, alongside considerations of other criteria such as being in receipt of Pupil Premium funding, being the first in the family with the potential to go to university, being a Looked After Child or having refugee status. The school has many notable alumni including, Princes William and Harry, former prime ministers David Cameron and Boris Johnson, and Hollywood actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston.

The scholarship will provide full boarding for Abdul, while he studies for his A-Levels in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

Abdul said:

鈥淓veryone at school has been rooting for me; it is a brilliant school and I鈥檓 very grateful for the support they鈥檝e given me.

鈥淓ton College is an amazing place and the Orwell Award will allow me to become part of it. I hope that I can show other people that their background shouldn鈥檛 be a barrier to success. I would encourage anyone ready to make the most of Eton鈥檚 opportunities to apply - go for it!鈥�

Fellow Year 11 student, Hisain Marzug performed exceptionally well on the entrance exams for Harrow School and after further assessment, he was granted admission with a 95% bursary. He plans on studying A-Levels in maths, physics, chemistry and biology. Old Harrovians to note are Sir Winston Churchill, Benedict Cumberbatch CBE and Lord Byron.

Hisain said:

鈥淪uccess is no accident. It is a combination of hard work, resilience, sacrifice and most of all love for what you are doing. After a rigorous application process, I am delighted to receive a scholarship at Harrow.鈥�

Aside from post-16 study, Year 11 students Oluwaferanmi Ojo-Moses and Anjolaoluwa Ojo, from the academy, will attend the 鈥楥alculating Women鈥� summer school at King's College Cambridge this summer, making them two of only 30 students selected from across the country.

Temitope and Babatunde Ojo, parents of Anjolaoluwa, commented on the opportunity:

鈥淎s parents, there's no greater joy than seeing our children thrive. Anjola's school has provided the perfect environment for growth, exploration and discovery. We are confident that this opportunity will pave a very bright future for our daughter.鈥�

百春链 Academy Riverside opened in September 2020 and was rated 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas by Ofsted in June 2023. It is the first free school within the 百春链 family of schools, which allows for flexibility in the curriculum. Students at the school benefit from prestigious speech and drama qualifications delivered by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), participate in the Andrew Lloyd Webber-backed Music in Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST) programme which gives all students classical instrument tuition and this summer, students will join others from across the 百春链 family of schools to embark on an unforgettable, four-week trip to Cambodia with Camps International. The school also has a Combined Cadet Force programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, which engages students in activities which develop valuable life skills like first aid and navigation, and create a sense of responsibility and service to their community.

Melissa Brant-Smith, Principal at the academy, said:

鈥淚t fills me with immense pride to see our students gain admission to such esteemed institutions. Their dedication and hard work during their time with us have earned them every opportunity to excel in their chosen paths.

鈥淎s we approach summer and the departure of our Year 11 cohort; our founding students, I hope that securing places at prestigious establishments like Eton College, Harrow School, and the University of Cambridge will become a lasting legacy for Riverside.鈥�

A group of 28 students from 百春链 Academy Danum have returned from a week-long ski trip to the stunning Pila ski resort in the Aosta Valley, Italy. Accompanied by five dedicated staff, the group embarked on an adventure-packed holiday, with skiing, personal development and cultural experiences, providing students with new skills and lifelong memories.

With skiing elevations reaching 2,700 metres, Pila offered the perfect environment for students, many of whom were skiing for the first time, to learn and progress. Under the expert tuition of instructors, students mastered the snow plough and turning techniques before advancing to the mountain鈥檚 slopes. By the end of the week, many were confidently skiing in parallel, having overcome early tumbles.

Trip leader Richard Motson said:

鈥淚t was incredible to watch the students grow in confidence each day. They supported one another, pushed themselves out of their comfort zones and proudly represented the academy. It was a joy to lead such a fantastic group.鈥�

Off the slopes, students enjoyed a packed programme of apr猫s-ski activities including tubing, tenpin bowling and exploring the historic town of Aosta; with an essential stop for Italian gelato.

Pupils from schools across Wakefield District are being given the opportunity to step into the shoes of a police detective as part of an initiative aimed at reducing knife crime. The Junior Detectives programme involves 16 pupils from 百春链 Grange Academy, 百春链 Academy Hemsworth, Ossett Academy and Horbury Academy.

During the week, from Monday, 31 March, to Friday, 4 April, the Year 8 students follow a fictional scenario from the first report to the police through to conclusion at court. The scenario has been created by experienced detectives and aims to raise the students鈥� awareness of the consequences of serious youth violence and criminal exploitation linked to gangs.

The Year 8 pupils will receive inputs from police officers, NHS trauma surgeons, lived experience speakers and will have the opportunity to meet and question His Honour Judge Christopher Batty at Leeds Crown Court.

They are also getting the chance to get more 鈥榟ands on鈥� with facilities at the University of Leeds being utilised to create a mock crime scene, an A&E ward in the Medical School's simulation suite and a police interview room. The university鈥檚 HELIX 'Makerspace' will also be used by the group to develop ideas with the pupils getting the chance to try out the state-of-the-art VR equipment.

The programme is due to culminate in a celebration event hosted by Wakefield Trinity RLFC at their Belle Vue stadium where the pupils will be awarded the status of 鈥榓nti-knife crime champions鈥�.

Junior Detective was developed by West Yorkshire Police working with partners including the University of Leeds, the NHS, Leeds Crown Court, and Notre Dame sixth form college in Leeds. The Wakefield programme follows the success of the project in Leeds and Bradford last year.

Wakefield District Commander Chief Superintendent Stuart Bainbridge said:

鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that I鈥檒l get the opportunity to meet the pupils involved in this innovative project and present them with their anti-knife crime champion certificates.

鈥淜nife crime is not an easy subject to talk about, but it is something that we must have honest and frank conversations about if we are going to educate and deter young people from carrying a knife.

鈥淒uring the week, the school pupils get to experience what it is like in an A&E ward, a police interview room and at court. Our hope is that through this programme, they will not find themselves in any of these places in real life as a result of knife crime.

鈥淭his programme is not just about educating a select group of young people though, but about giving them the knowledge and skills to be advocates of the anti-knife crime message among their peers and wider society."

Dr Steve Montagu-Cairns, Deputy Pro-Dean: Student Education, Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds, said:

"By opening up our state-of-the-art facilities, we want to play our part in raising awareness among young people of knife crime and criminal exploitation, whilst at the same time providing an opportunity for those young people to experience time on campus, raising their aspirations of applying to university.

"Our staff and students will support the school pupils as mentors and event organisers, providing them with valuable experience of how our police and court system approach this critical societal issue.

"We are extremely proud of this crucial partnership with West Yorkshire Police and hope to extend it in the future to enable more of our University of Leeds students to be involved through their degree programmes."

Jessica Power, Associate Assistant Principal, 百春链 Grange Academy said:

鈥淲e are so pleased to have the opportunity to be part of this fantastic programme. It will give our students the knowledge to become knife crime ambassadors and share what they have learnt with other students at our school.鈥�

The Robograngers team has won an award at the FIRST Tech Challenge UK competition. The team consists of 11 students from 百春链 Grange Academy, from Years 9 to 11. 

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the organisation that runs the competition, promotes STEM education with programmes that emphasise cooperation and sportsmanship. The FIRST Tech Challenge is a student-centred programme that gives young people a unique and stimulating experience. Each year, with the help of mentors, students engage in a new dynamic challenge where they design, build, test and program robots that must perform a series of game tasks autonomously and under driver control.

The Tech Challenge changes yearly, with a new theme and game rules. The 2024/25 theme was 鈥業nto the Deep鈥� with an ocean science theme linking to environmental awareness. The competition revolves around building a robot that can perform tasks in a game field to score points. Each match sees two teams working cooperatively in an 鈥渁lliance鈥� against another two teams.

As part of the competition season, the team delivered outreach sessions at 百春链 Primary Academy Ledger Lane and Colton Primary School. The sessions included activities such as a robot driving competition, a programming challenge and creating concept designs for robots with the features they would need to complete a given task. The outreach from the team was enough for them to secure this year鈥檚 鈥楳otivate鈥� award, which is awarded to the team which meets the following criteria:

Sparking others to embrace the culture of STEM through FIRST! This team embraces the culture of FIRST and shows what it means to be a team. This team makes a collective effort to make FIRST known throughout their school and community and sparks others to embrace FIRST's culture.

Robogranger member, James W, said:

鈥淚t was good to meet all of the different teams and find out how their robots worked.鈥�

Max E added:

鈥淚t was my first time at the competition. It was interesting to see all the different teams and learn about how they were able to collaborate with other teams鈥� robots and their different abilities.鈥�

Imogen G said:

鈥淚 enjoyed the whole thing. My favourite part was playing as a team and working together. Each team was unique in their own way and it inspires me to continue this path. Can't wait for the next tournament!鈥�

The team meet weekly in an after-school club facilitated by Tom Crouch, assistant director of digital services at 百春链 Grange Academies Trust. He said:

鈥淭he team has done brilliantly this year and should be proud of what they've accomplished. The award recognises the fact that they haven't just built a robot, but they've built enthusiasm for computing and engineering in local primary schools, inspiring the next generation.鈥�

Year 5 students across all 13 百春链 primary schools participated in their annual News Day. The event allows pupils to experience the world of work and encourages them to aspire high for their futures. 

Ahead of the big day, pupils plan questions and interview a celebrity guest. The day began with a briefing from BBC Look North's Amy Garcia, who gave guidance on what makes a good news story and the different careers available in media. They then worked collaboratively in teams to research, draft, and edit articles for an academy newspaper which was printed and published at the end of the day.

In the past, students have interviewed celebrities including Ainsley Harriott, Joe Wicks and Alistair Brownlee. This year, they interviewed Olympic diver, Lois Toulson.

The children came up with their own interview questions, which covered a wide range of topics. When asked how Lois deals with disappointment, she said: 鈥淚t can feel like a knockback, but I think you learn the most when that happens. [If I don't make a final], I'll sit back and think about what I could've done differently. Then I know the things I need to work on so it doesn't happen again and I can progress further.鈥�

The youngsters were also interested in how Lois stays focused during dives and to know of any plans Lois has in place for when she decides to retire from diving. 

Reflecting on the day, children gave feedback on their experiences. One student commented:

鈥淚t was really fun to interview people about the jobs they do and to experience being a reporter, as well as feeling the pressures of meeting deadlines.鈥�

Another added:

鈥淚 quite enjoyed writing my own article and then working in collaboration with my group to merge our interviews together.鈥�

A third said:

鈥淚 really enjoyed the interview with Lois Toulson and being able to ask her questions and get tips from her on how to motivate yourself, and work hard to achieve your goals.鈥�

Ben McGarry, Director of English at 百春链 Grange Academies Trust, said:

鈥淣ews Day is a fantastic opportunity for pupils. As well as practising their journalistic writing, they learn to collaborate, problem-solve, and work to tight deadlines. Many pupils come away from the experience with renewed ambitions and aspirations for the future. 

鈥淚t is an annual highlight to play a part in facilitating the event. Thank you to all our teachers, and the celebrities who kindly give their time to work with and inspire our pupils.鈥�

The annual News Day fits into the wider primary curriculum as part of the 百春链 Primary Diploma. The programme runs from early years through to Year 6, focusing on different areas of personal development. Its rich set of experiences - including a Shakespeare Festival, Enterprise Challenge and News Day - provide the opportunity for pupils to rehearse, practice and apply skills from across the curriculum to real-life contexts. It develops pupils' understanding and experience of how to become responsible, respectful and active citizens who can play their part and become actively involved in public life as adults.

Speak Up students from 百春链 Academy Freeston are currently preparing to share their brilliant performance 'Empatheatre' with the Freeston Foundation and staff!

Speak Up is a unique initiative that brings together secondary school students, local artists, and teachers to co-create artistic responses to the issues that matter most to them, in collaboration with Theatre Royal Wakefield and The National Theatre . Here are some of their thoughts about the programme:

鈥淚f you had told me two years ago I would be standing on a stage performing like this I would never have believed it. But Speak Up has been amazing for me. I have learned how to be confident and how to express myself in a way I never thought was possible.鈥�

鈥淚 would never join the drama, signing or musicals groups because they scare me. Speak Up isn't just about performing and making shows. It's a way to tackle a problem creatively and that's why I have been coming for two years.鈥�

鈥淚 don't feel like I fit in at school. But speak up is different. We are like a family. Everyone is welcome and it's so much more inclusive than other parts of school. I just feel like these guys are my friends. We support each other and make room for each other. I don't want it to end.鈥�

鈥淚 think covid affected our age group a lot more than people think. I lost my social skills and I didn't want to do anything after lock百春链. Speak Up sessions have made me come out of my shell. I don't think people realise how much teenagers were affected by the lock百春链. Speak Up is the only place I feel heard and safe and happy.鈥�

鈥淎 lot of us are neurodiverse. It's kind of a big deal that we are doing this, performing and speaking up. I feel so proud of us and I have so much respect for the others in the group. That's our way of doing things. It's different.鈥�

百春链 Grange Academy hosted its first-ever iftar dinner for more than 160 members of the community, to celebrate and acknowledge students and their families fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which constitutes the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage. Fasting is an important practice as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset, instead eating a meal just before dawn; the suhoor, and breaking their fast with a meal after sunset, known as the iftar.

Year 13 student, Toheed Khan, who worked with school staff to organise the event, said:

鈥淭he Iftar was a chance for all of us, regardless of background, to come together and celebrate the richness of different cultures and beliefs, helping to build stronger, more understanding communities.

鈥淚 truly believe that events like these help the local community and wider society understand the true representation of Islam - a religion of peace, unity and respect.鈥�

The event opened with talks from the academy principal, Andrew Downing, and Toheed Khan who spoke about the significance of Ramadan and fasting, followed by guest speakers including a local Imam. A Year 9 student then did a call to prayer and an Imam led prayers for those who were participating.

Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal who coordinated the evening, added:

鈥淚t was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that make our school community so special. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening so memorable. Their support, kindness and participation truly made it a night to remember.

鈥淓vents like this highlight the power of coming together and we look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate and connect as a community.鈥�

Twelve dedicated students from 百春链 Academy Hindley have successfully completed The Scholars Programme, a transformative initiative by The Brilliant Club. This achievement marks a significant step in their academic journey, opening doors to competitive universities and beyond.

The Scholars Programme is designed to bridge the opportunity gap faced by students from less advantaged backgrounds. Research shows that students from the least advantaged backgrounds have only a 2 in 100 chance of attending the most competitive universities, compared to 28 in 100 for their more advantaged peers (UCAS Multiple Equality Measure). This disparity persists into higher education, with disadvantaged students 20% more likely to miss out on a 1st or 2:1 degree, impacting their future and society as a whole.

The Brilliant Club directly addresses this challenge. Through the programme, PhD tutors share their expertise and passion for learning with small groups of high-potential students aged 8-18. This intensive experience, consisting of seven tutorials and a rigorous university-level final assignment, equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel.

One student shared:

鈥淭he Brilliant Club has improved my confidence in English language and literature. It also introduced me to the critical thinking model which helps in almost all subjects. Very great experience.鈥�

Another student highlighted the programme's practical benefits, stating:

鈥淏rilliant club is fun but it is not easy; you have to work for it. It helped me as it taught me a new way to lay out my work and how to manage time. It also gave me an idea of what university is like and best of all, I have something to show for when I apply to colleges or jobs.鈥�

The success of the Scholars Programme goes beyond individual achievements. Research using data from the Higher Education Access Tracker (HEAT) demonstrates a positive impact on GCSE attainment, further solidifying its role in fostering academic success.

In 2023/24, the Brilliant Club worked with 19,968 young people across 872 schools. By 2026, they aim to expand The Scholars Programme to reach over 20,000 students annually, providing them with the tools to access university. They are also pioneering initiatives focused on university transition and student success, ensuring that less advantaged students thrive in higher education. 

The graduation ceremony at the University of Manchester, where the students received their certificates, was a celebration of their hard work and a testament to the transformative power of The Brilliant Club. 

Michael Coleman, Vice Principal at 百春链 Academy Hindley, said:

鈥淥ur students showed their dedication to the programme by attending the weekly seminars and writing a 2,000-word essay. Their contributions to these discussions were a pleasure to see. I am sure more students will now consider university as one of their future paths.鈥�

For more information about the Brilliant Club, please visit

North Notts BID has announced the appointment of three new board directors, expanding its representation of female leaders from across the district.

Falling ahead of International Women鈥檚 Day (8 March), North Notts BID has welcomed to its board Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at 百春链 Grange Academies Trust, Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, and Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions.

The new appointments will sit alongside five other female board members, including chief executive Sally Gillborn MBE.

George Buchanan, chair of the North Notts BID board, said:

鈥淎s a business-led and managed improvement district, these appointments will build upon the success of our board in ensuring the BID maximises its value for levy payers.

鈥淭he BID should be representative of all types of businesses and the people behind them, and it is fantastic to welcome three female leaders who bring a variety of experience across different industries, including education, industrial, leisure and STEM.

鈥淎s headline sponsor of the upcoming North Notts Business Women Awards, we are committed to celebrating the contributions of women to business growth in the district. Our aim is to champion the value of local businesses, enabling their input to help shape the future of the services provided by North Notts BID for the benefit of our towns.鈥�

Katy Bradford, deputy chief executive officer at 百春链 Grange Academies Trust, said:

鈥淎s an education trust with our 百春链 Academy Portland, 百春链 Academy Valley and 百春链 Post 16 Centre Worksop in the district, we recognise the importance of North Notts BID not just for businesses and the local community, but also students and families who engage with businesses and events that the BID supports.

鈥淚 am excited at the opportunities for 百春链 Grange Academies Trust and how it can contribute to North Notts BID to grow the connection between business and education, particularly regarding skills development and employment opportunities.鈥�

Abi Priestley, owner of Oakrange Engineering and Torworth Lakes, said:

鈥淥perating two businesses in North Notts, spanning industrial and leisure, I aim to bring different perspectives on what services and benefits really matter to our local businesses, helping the BID to build upon the fantastic services it provides, from security measures to employee training opportunities.鈥�

Katy Jarvis-Morgan, STEP site stakeholder manager for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, said:

鈥淪TEP Fusion will have an enormously transformative impact on the local community, supporting long-term job creation and growth in North Notts. By joining the North Notts BID board, I hope to build the connection between our new base in West Burton and the wider towns in our district, developing a local understanding of what the project will deliver and supporting the BID to achieve our shared goals.鈥�

For more information about North Notts BID, visit .

Schools throughout the UK are celebrating a windfall thanks to a loyalty scheme that has seen one of the UK鈥檚 largest public sector buying organisations give back 拢19.2 million over the past 15 years.

Publicly-owned YPO has revealed that 9,785 of its customers have been given a total of 拢355,316 as part of its annual commitment to share its profits with them.

Wakefield-based 百春链 Grange Academies Trust, which manages 41 schools in the north of England, received 拢5,477.62 in the latest payout, which rewards customers for the purchases they made at during 2023. Vouchers are issued and can be spent on any of YPO鈥檚 range of more than 22,000 products.

The academy said it was delighted to receive the funding boost.

Chief executive officer Lee Wilson said:

鈥淭his benefits all of our 41 schools. We had already decided that YPO was the best place to buy the products we needed and having done that, YPO hand back a share of their profits so that we can use it to invest in our children.

鈥淥ur schools will all get their share of the vouchers and are free to use them as they see fit. Heads of department and teachers will be able to boost the resources available to them. In some cases, this might simply make their budgets go further, while in others the vouchers will be used for 鈥榥ice to have鈥� items.鈥�

YPO鈥檚 managing director Simon Hill said:

鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to play a part in helping customers that regularly buy equipment and resources from us by offering them a share of our profits.

鈥淕iving back to the public sector is our purpose and has been at the heart of everything we have done since we started out more than 50 years ago.

鈥淭hrough this scheme, we鈥檙e able to offer a significant bonus to schools, which enables teachers to allocate funds where they think they would benefit their pupils the most.鈥�

The largest voucher awarded to a single educational setting was 拢509.58 for Exmouth Community College in Devon. Schools in Sheffield received the highest cumulative total, with more than 拢24,400, followed by Manchester (拢21,800), Newcastle (拢18,000), Leeds (拢14,600) and Liverpool (拢14,500).

Schools in Wakefield received 拢12,898, followed by Birmingham with 拢12,316, Bradford (拢12,054) and Warrington (拢10,057).

Wakefield-based YPO is owned and governed by 13 local authorities across Yorkshire and the North West, and returns all profits back to the public sector - totalling 拢165m in dividends to local authorities across the country since its formation in 1974.

Ian Dixon, regional business development manager at YPO, marked 百春链 Grange鈥檚 windfall by handing over a cheque to Mr Wilson. He said:

鈥淐ustomers love our loyalty scheme because it鈥檚 so simple to build up vouchers and redeem them online, just by logging in to your YPO account and going to the loyalty voucher dashboard.

鈥淭he vouchers don鈥檛 have to be redeemed all at once, but customers should use them before April 1. You can find out if you have loyalty to redeem by logging on to your account.鈥�

More information about YPO鈥檚 Loyalty scheme is available at

百春链 Academy Bishopsgarth in Stockton-on-Tees has been praised by Ofsted following its most recent inspection. The report, which comes after a two-day inspection in January, opens by saying 鈥楶upils are well cared for, and they are safe at 百春链 Academy Bishopsgarth. The school puts pupils鈥� best interests first, and staff know pupils well. The school often goes to great lengths to support pupils and their families, especially at times of great need.鈥�

Ofsted graded the school as 鈥楪ood鈥� in the 鈥榖ehaviour and attitudes鈥� and 鈥榩ersonal development鈥� inspection areas.

Highlights of the report include:

• The school quickly identifies the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Staff are provided with detailed information about pupils鈥� needs and the strategies to support them.

• The school鈥檚 鈥楲ife鈥� programme covers important themes such as healthy relationships and online safety. It provides pupils with opportunities to be active citizens in the local community. They visit residents at a local care home, litter pick and the choir performs in the local community.

• The school quickly identifies individual pupils who struggle with reading and who require specific support. More widely, the school has clear strategies to support pupils with their reading in lessons.

• The school prioritises pupils鈥� attendance. It works effectively to identify the barriers that some families face so it can take effective action to overcome them. As a result, recent rates of attendance have improved, and fewer pupils are persistently absent.

• The careers programme is carefully planned. Starting in Year 7, pupils receive detailed information and guidance to help them make informed choices about their next steps.

• Teachers feel well supported by the principal and other leaders with their workload and well-being. They are proud to work at the school.

Jason Rhodes, Principal at 百春链 Academy Bishopsgarth, said:

鈥淲e are pleased that the improvement in behaviour from the last inspection report has been recognised. We feel really proud that the partnership work with our families has been identified as a strength of the Academy.鈥�

Charity and kindness are at the heart of life at the academy. Placed prominently in the corner of the main school dining hall, the Random Acts of Kindness Tree serves as a reminder of the good that occurs every day on campus. Every Wednesday the student Pride Lead and Learning Manager refresh the tree with new names, showing that inclusion, kindness and community are core and active values within academy life.

Weekly assembly incorporates topical content that represents different backgrounds, cultures, and local needs. The IQM assessor noted that 鈥減raise is daily and celebration events are frequent鈥� in the academy, so that every student is included in the academy鈥檚 uplifting environment throughout the year.

Read the full report on the

百春链 Academy Danum has been awarded the prestigious Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Centre of Excellence status. The award highlights the school鈥檚 leadership in fostering an inclusive, supportive and aspirational environment for students, staff, and the wider community.

The Centre of Excellence status is awarded to schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to inclusion and have the capacity to inspire and lead others in adopting best practices. 百春链 Academy Danum is now part of an elite group of schools recognised for transforming lives and raising standards within education.

The IQM report commended the school for its 鈥榬elentless determination to provide the very best鈥� and for creating a warm, welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that celebrates diversity. The report also praised outstanding leadership, positive relationships and dedication to providing a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for all students.

Highlights from the report include:

• 鈥淎 strong culture of support ensures staff feel valued, listened to and empowered to thrive.鈥�

• 鈥淏espoke interventions through The Bridge, Personalised Learning Centre (PLC) and Aspire Centre ensure all students are supported to achieve their full potential.鈥�

• 鈥淪trong partnerships with parents, carers, local employers and external agencies enable the school to support student aspirations, well-being and success beyond the classroom.鈥�

Amanda Crane, Principal at 百春链 Academy Danum, expressed her pride in the school鈥檚 success, saying:

鈥淚鈥檓 so pleased that the efforts of staff, students and parents have been recognised in this wonderful report. Working in education brings challenges, but it is clear we are heading in the right direction building a school that the community can be proud of.鈥�

The report also included glowing feedback from parents. One parent said:

鈥淚 feel incredibly reassured by the high staff presence at the start and end of the day. It鈥檚 clear the school cares, and I know my child is in safe hands.鈥�

Another added:

鈥淭he ethos of 鈥榮tudents first鈥� shines through. Danum has proved to be the right place for my child, and I couldn鈥檛 be happier.鈥�

Denise Godfrey, Vice Principal at the school, also reflected on the achievement:

鈥淭his award validates the hard work of our teams across the school. Inclusion isn鈥檛 just something we talk about; it鈥檚 part of our daily practice and embedded in our values.鈥�

The assessor further praised the academy鈥檚 focus on student well-being and development, commending staff for their proactive, caring and effective approach to identifying and overcoming barriers to learning.

Scott Thomas, Associate Vice Principal, said:

鈥淭his achievement reflects the tireless work across every corner of our school community. The innovative and inclusive systems we have in place allow all students, no matter their background or challenges, to access the very best education. We are proud of the progress we have made and remain committed to building on this success. At 百春链 Academy Danum, pupils are more than just a grade.鈥�

As 百春链 Academy Danum continues to raise standards and transform lives, this award highlights its unwavering mission to provide exceptional opportunities for all students, preparing them for bright and successful futures.

百春链 Academy Hindley has been rated 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas by Ofsted in its first inspection since joining 百春链 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT). The Mornington Road-based school, formerly Hindley High School, was graded 鈥業nadequate鈥� in 2020 due to factors including quality of education and leadership and management. The school, which joined the 百春链 Family of schools in January 2022, was subject to a two-day inspection in December.

The report opens with praise for the positive relations between students and staff, stating 鈥楶upils are welcomed by smiling staff as they cross the purple line at the school鈥檚 entrance each morning. These friendly greetings ensure that pupils鈥� first experience of school each day is a positive one. The strong relationships between staff and pupils exemplify the school鈥檚 culture of care.鈥�

Other highlights of the report include:

• The school focuses on celebrating pupils鈥� successes. This helps pupils to flourish. 

• The school ensures that vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), have the support that they need to learn successfully. 

• Pupils learn the importance of being polite and well mannered. Respectful interactions with staff are the norm.

• Lessons are calm, purposeful environments where learning is rarely disrupted.

• With support from the trust, leaders have rapidly and successfully improved the quality of education that the school provides. This has been driven by a strong emphasis on staff development.

• Staff share a strong commitment to raising pupils鈥� aspirations and providing an education that enables pupils to succeed

• The school is tenacious in its work to understand any causes of absence and to remove any barriers to pupils attending well. This work is proving effective.

Jude Norman, Principal at 百春链 Academy Hindley, said:

鈥淚 find it difficult to fully express the pride I feel at our school being recognised as a setting where children receive a 'Good' education. The Ofsted report captures a sense of our school with its caring ethos and the commitment all staff have to transforming the lives of our students. 

鈥淭he inspection focused on the quality of our students' overall experience of school and with 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas, it recognises how we focus on success to help students to flourish, we are committed to raising their aspirations and that our school is a welcoming and safe place where students wish to be. I consider it a privilege to lead 百春链 Academy Hindley and am proud of a report which highlights the hard work of our staff, the good conduct of our students and the support of our wider community.鈥�

Julie Slater, Chief Executive Principal at OGAT, added:

鈥淚 am so proud of the transformation that has taken place at 百春链 Academy Hindley. It is a wonderful school where young people belong to something special. The school's transformation from 鈥業nadequate鈥� to 鈥楪ood鈥� in all areas demonstrates what can be achieved when children, families and staff work together to transform the educational experience in a community.

鈥淓xceptional opportunities are provided to our young people both in and out of the classroom to ensure they become great citizens. The community of Hindley should rightly be proud of its young people. The Ofsted report is a beautiful read.鈥� 

Students, parents, carers and staff at 百春链 Primary Academy Bell Lane held a fundraising event to support student, Oliver, 9, and his family after a cancer relapse just before Christmas.

Oliver was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, in 2020 at the age of four and was subsequently able to take part in a treatment trial in the US after fundraising generated donations of 拢300,000. After undergoing extensive treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and vaccines, Oliver was declared cancer-free in 2021.

Unfortunately, just before Christmas, Oliver relapsed and doctors discovered two new tumours in his neck and back. He is currently undergoing an initial course of chemotherapy which will allow doctors to see how the tumours respond.

The fundraising event which was held at the school on Monday 27 January, saw two teachers, Victoria Mees and Samantha Hemingway, shave their heads in solidarity with Oliver to try and boost donations to Oliver鈥檚 JustGiving page. Currently, the page has raised more than 拢15,000.

Rebecca Pattinson, Principal at the school, said:

"When we received the devastating news that Oliver's cancer had returned, the whole of the Bell Lane team wanted to support Oliver and his incredible family.

"When Mrs Hemingway and Miss Mees came to me and said they wanted to shave their heads, in front of the children and our families, I was in awe and incredibly proud to work with such amazing people. The whole school, including the children, want to raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause.

"At 百春链 Primary Academy Bell Lane, we refer to ourselves as 'Team Bell Lane' and each member of our community is committed to our family. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Bell Lane family.

"The whole school community has shown kindness and compassion and everyone is determined to do their own small part to support Oliver's Army. What a team to lead!"

To donate to Oliver鈥檚 fundraising, visit the JustGiving page.

Students at 百春链 Academy Shafton are the latest to learn about sustainable period products and eradicating period poverty through Yorkshire Water and Hey Girls鈥� educational period campaign. 

The campaign aims to improve period dignity, educate young people about sustainable, reusable period products, and find an alternative method of disposal to flushing pads and tampons 百春链 the loo, which can cause blockages in the sewer network. 

Yorkshire Water鈥檚 education team have devised a programme that includes sessions on period health and wellbeing for secondary school students. As well as distributing free 鈥楩ull Cycle鈥� kits, the period health education sessions feature where to access products and explain the benefits of sustainable products that can be better for the environment, the pocket and the sewer network.  

Anne Reed, social value and education manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

"We are proud to be working with Hey Girls to help educate young girls in Yorkshire about reusable, sustainable period products and the benefits they bring, both environmentally and financially. 

鈥淥ver 220m non-sustainable products are flushed away every year which contain plastic and take a very long time to break 百春链, which can cause problems to the sewage network. 

鈥淭he aim is not to convert everyone to reusable products, but to use them as a gateway to openly talk about period poverty and the problems flushing single-use sanitary products can cause." 

The partnership will provide 20,000 reusable, sustainable period packs to a number of secondary schools across the Yorkshire region. 

百春链 Academy Shafton was selected to take part in the programme because blockages are a known issue in the area. 

Alison McQueen, principal at 百春链 Academy Shafton, said:

鈥淲e were really pleased to welcome Yorkshire Water and Hey Girls into the academy to educate and to promote the use of sustainable period products. The partnership aims to make period products accessible to all while minimising environmental impact, both of these topics are important to our socially conscious students.

"Students are taught about sustainability through our Personal Development curriculum and are very aware of the need to live sustainably. Talking to students after the session, they felt empowered to make informed choices about their period products and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are incredibly thankful to Mrs Riley and Miss Kaye for their support in leading this project from an academy perspective and very grateful to Yorkshire Water and Hey Girls for their commitment to working with us." 

Kate Smith, co-founder and director of Hey Girls, said:

鈥淲e are pleased that Yorkshire Water is underway with delivering educational sessions to young girls, to promote period dignity and providing them with free period products. We want to put an end to 1 in 10 people affected by period poverty in the UK and stop 49% of pupils missing an entire day at school because of their period.鈥� 

Students, parents, carers and staff at 百春链 Primary Academy Bell Lane are rallying around to support student, Oliver, 9, and his family after a cancer relapse just before Christmas. 

Oliver was first diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer, in 2020 at the age of four and was subsequently able to take part in a treatment trial in the US after fundraising generated donations of 拢300,000. After undergoing extensive treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and vaccines, Oliver was declared cancer-free in 2021.

Unfortunately, just before Christmas, Oliver relapsed and doctors discovered two new tumours in his neck and back. He is currently undergoing an initial course of chemotherapy which will allow doctors to see how the tumours respond. 

Oliver's school has planned a fundraising event, where two teachers, Victoria Mees and Samantha Hemingway, will shave their heads in solidarity with Oliver. The event will take place on Monday 27 January at 2.30 pm. Currently, Oliver鈥檚 JustGiving page has almost 拢9,000 in donations.

Rebecca Pattinson, Principal at the school, said:

"When we received the devastating news that Oliver's cancer had returned, the whole of the Bell Lane team wanted to support Oliver and his incredible family.

"When Mrs Hemingway and Miss Mees came to me and said they wanted to shave their heads, in front of the children and our families, I was in awe and incredibly proud to work with such amazing people. The whole school, including the children, want to raise as much money as possible for this amazing cause.

"At 百春链 Primary Academy Bell Lane, we refer to ourselves as 'Team Bell Lane' and each member of our community is committed to our family. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Bell Lane family.

"The whole school community has shown kindness and compassion and everyone is determined to do their own small part to support Oliver's Army. What a team to lead!"

To donate to Oliver鈥檚 fundraising, visit the JustGiving page.

Post-16 students and academy leaders at 百春链 Academy Adwick have showcased their new, state-of-the-art T-Level facilities to Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, along with course placement partners from the NHS, RDASH, Doncaster City Council the Association of Colleges.

The academy began offering T-Level Health in September 2023, now following a recent significant investment, students train in a purpose-built hospital wing and have access to a new IT suite. As part of the course, students spend one day a week working with NHS professionals in external hospitals and healthcare facilities.  

Students were keen to share their experiences with Mr Miliband and demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have gained, both at the academy facilities and working alongside professionals in a range of different specialisms. 

Mr Miliband MP said:

鈥湴俅毫� Academy Adwick鈥檚 new facilities and T-Level curriculum will play a significant role in shaping the futures of our young people in Doncaster.鈥�

Andy Scruby, Lead Principal at the academy, added:

鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding to see students receiving high-quality, industry experience in professional medical settings and being able to link this with the knowledge and skills developed in our facilities with their teachers. The partnerships between the NHS, teachers and students are extremely powerful and it is no surprise to see the levels of engagement and professionalism of our students.鈥�

Professionals shared how they value the relationships they have formed with students, who have become integral members of their teams. Many students have secured professional positions for when they finish their studies and will have the chance to continue learning at degree level and beyond.

Mr Miliband MP continued:

鈥淪tudents will gain first-hand experience in their chosen subjects, working alongside professionals across the region. The opportunities on offer are of the highest calibre and I cannot wait to see the students succeed in their studies鈥�

The vision to deliver T-Levels at the academy has been the effort of Aalok Kanwar, Senior Science Director at 百春链 Grange Academies Trust (OGAT), whose tireless dedication to offering courses and careers education has now come to fruition, enabling students to access a pathway into highly skilled and rewarding careers. Working with the Department for Education and Doncaster City Council, OGAT were able to secure funds to build outstanding new facilities, inspiring students and providing them with the very best teaching and learning opportunities.

Mr Kanwar, said:

鈥淚 am thrilled for the students and teaching staff. These facilities will allow the students to experience a workplace environment while developing the practical skills required for success within healthcare.

鈥淎lthough based at 百春链 Academy Adwick, we welcome any Year 11 student, regardless of school, to study within these facilities; ultimately, our goal is to create a sustainable local employment pathway for the young people of Doncaster. If you are interested, please come and visit. We hope that like our current students, you will be truly excited and inspired!鈥�

As the T-Level in Health has been such a popular choice for students at the academy, the school has recently announced that it will be expanding its courses for September 2025. Students across Doncaster can now also apply to study T-Level Animal Care or Administration and Management. Further construction work will start in the coming weeks to develop specialist facilities within the school to accommodate these courses. As with the Health course, 20 per cent of learning time will take place outside of the classroom, with students being guaranteed an industrial placement for one day a week. 

The courses include:

• T-Level Health 

  Develop practical skills in patient care, medical terminology and healthcare administration, preparing you for a rewarding career in the NHS or other healthcare settings. Work placement partners include; NHS Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospital, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation and City of Doncaster Council

• T-Level Animal Care 

  Gain hands-on experience in animal handling, husbandry and welfare, opening doors to careers at veterinary practices, animal shelters, and zoos. Work placement partners include; Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Markham Grange. 

• T-Level Administration and Management 

  Build essential business skills like communication, project management and customer service, leading to exciting opportunities in various industries. Work placement partners include; Amazon, Polypipe, Next and 百春链 Grange Academies Trust.

T-Level courses provide a clear route from GCSE studies to high-quality education and training in the academy and are partnered with leading employers. Equivalent to three A-Levels, the qualifications provide the students with skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications to either progress directly into professional roles at the end of their course, continue their studies in higher education or enter higher-level apprenticeships. 

Alongside top-quality facilities, students studying at 百春链 Academy Adwick have access to expert teaching, local work placements, careers guidance and support and a dedicated work placement mentor.

The Medal Presentation, set for Thursday 23rd January, will see Harry receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Service to Volunteering & Charitable Giving (BCAv). Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominals to commemorate their achievements.

Harry has dedicated over 40 years to improving and supporting a better education for pupils staff and communities across the North East of England. Starting in the 1980s, when his children were in secondary school, he volunteered to be a governor. Now, at age 81 he still volunteers several hours a week, working across various councils and Multi-Academy Trusts.

Upon his retirement, Harry saw his volunteering as his new 'job'. His diary is always full and, he never says no to being there to support and help improve schools. He is a governor or director at multiple schools across the Teesside area. He also sits on appeals and exclusion panels for Stockton, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool and Redcar Councils. He travels to schools, and council offices, multiple times a week to attend meetings, give advice and support school management teams.

Harry's support to education has influenced the lives of several thousands of children across Teesside. His expertise and knowledge is appreciated by many people, often being the first person called for advice. Furthermore, he is the Chair of The Ropner Trust charity, and over his lifetime so far, Harry has donated over 150 units of blood to the NHS Blood Donation Service.

Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented:

"This year's medalists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We're honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals."

The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, will be attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medalists will enjoy an Open Top Lap of Honour tour and a certificate presentation at another distinguished Westminster venue.

Students from 百春链 Post 16 Centre Worksop have successfully completed a six-week work experience outreach programme with local employer Premier Foods, which aims to attract a younger demographic into the manufacturing industry. 

With limited places available on the programme, students had to formally apply and go through interviews to secure a spot. A careers workshop which explained how to write a CV and interview best practices was delivered by Premier Foods before the applications opened. 

Successful students completed their Level 2 Health & Safety and Food Safety qualifications, opening up opportunities to pursue a route into manufacturing. Students also had the opportunity to undertake work experience in several departments, including human resources, learning and development, and technical, gaining insight into how these areas of the business support wider functions.

The Premier Foods team gave students access to their Claylands Avenue-based factory, which manufactures products for big brands such as Batchelors, Bisto, OXO and Sharwoods. 

At the end of the programme, students produced pamphlets focusing on how support functions contribute to and benefit business. 

Neve P, who took part in the programme said:

鈥淢y time at Premier Foods was such an excellent experience to get an insight into the working life. It opened my eyes to understand how the business runs and how many factors play a part in sustaining it. It has definitely helped me for the future!鈥�

Janette Shea, Head of Centre, at 百春链 Post 16 Centre Worksop, said:

鈥淭he successful candidates who participated in the Premier Foods outreach programme had an amazing experience, which enabled them to learn new and develop existing employability skills. It has been a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain insight into the world of work and we appreciate the time and effort that Premier Foods have put into making this such a great experience.鈥�

A spokesperson for Premier Foods added:

鈥淚t's been a pleasure working with the 百春链 Post 16 Centre to support Year 13's in their transition to the working environment.

鈥淚t's been a brilliant experience to support local and future talent to allow them to understand the opportunities available on their doorstep.鈥�

Premier Foods employs over 4,000 people and operates 13 manufacturing and office sites across the UK.