Ofsted’s Chief Inspector visits Paradigm school
Paradigm Trust’s Murrayfield Primary Academy was chosen by Ofsted, the body responsible for inspecting standards in English schools, as the place to launch its annual report.
Ofsted chose Murrayfield because of the dramatic transformation that has taken place since Paradigm Trust took over its management in 2017. Previously judged to be failing, the latest report from Ofsted rates Murrayfield as ‘good’ and highlights the considerable progress made.
The report also notes that the school’s subject leaders have benefited from being able to work with other leaders across Paradigm Trust.
Bill Holledge, Paradigm’s CEO, said: “Our vision is to develop and sustain great schools where we can make the biggest difference to pupils. Murrayfield is a wonderful example of what that vision looks like in real life.”
Murrayfield principal Neil Winn said: “We are thrilled that Ofsted chose Murrayfield as the launch pad for its annual report. It’s a vindication of what we’ve been doing here and recognition for the efforts of pupils, parents and staff.”
Speaking about her visit to Murrayfield, Amanda Spielman, Ofsted’s chief inspector, said: “Murrayfield is just a very lovely school. It was great to be able to see the children at work and reading so well. I was also pleased to see such a well-thought-through curriculum in action and the staff pulling together and having that shared vision of what they can achieve.
“Each year, when we film for the launch of our report, we choose a school that’s really interesting to highlight. I asked our inspectors to name a school that had been inspected under our new framework that had been particularly interesting and good and they suggested Murrayfield.”
BBC Radio Suffolk interviews Ipswich Academy’s new Principal
BBC Radio Suffolk had the opportunity to speak to the new Principal of Ipswich Academy yesterday. Follow the link below and skip to 01:21:00 to hear the full piece. (Please note you may need to create a BBC account to access the media).
New Principal appointed at Ipswich Academy
Former Olympic Triathlete Abbie Thorrington has been appointed Principal of Ipswich Academy. She is poised to build on the school’s recent successes to ensure its pupils develop through meaningful opportunities to be successful and enjoy all aspects of their lives.
Abbie, who is currently Assistant Principal at Ipswich Academy, will take over in June from current Principal Helen Winn, whose successful leadership led the Paradigm Trust school to achieve its best ever GCSE results in August. Eight years on from the 2012 Olympics, Abbie’s hard work and dedication to teaching has paid off as she secures the top job in the acclaimed Ipswich secondary school.
Bill Holledge, Chief Executive of Paradigm Trust, comments:
“Abbie has been a key part of the leadership team which achieved strong results in summer 2019, as well as having been recognised by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ for leadership and management. She has demonstrated excellence and ambition in her role as Assistant Principal, building a strong rapport with both our pupils and the wider community. We are delighted to give her the opportunity to continue her work as Principal.”
Abbie Thorrington, newly appointed Principal at Ipswich Academy, says:
“I am incredibly honoured to take on the role of Principal at Ipswich Academy. I grew up in Ipswich and have always been a part of its community. Since retiring from athletics I have been able to utilise that experience, including the dedication and resilience developed through training, to support my teaching career here. I have big ambitions for the pupils of Ipswich Academy and, as we enter another Olympic year, will do everything in my power to make all our pupils’ dreams a reality.”
A recent Ofsted report recognised that Ipswich Academy leaders, including Abbie Thorrington, had ‘transformed the culture of the school’ and were ‘building strong and effective partnerships with the community’ ensuring pupils and their families have the best possible experience. The school is currently oversubscribed for places.
Celebrating Values within Paradigm Trust
This week, Paradigm Trust celebrated pupils who have been awarded all three values awards and have become the first values champions in the Trust. Paradigm shares the same core values throughout all of its schools:
- Integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
- Excellence – enabling everyone to achieve more through education.
- Community – working together; learning from, and supporting, others.
Each week, pupils are nominated for positive behaviours that link to a value and each half term winners are chosen to receive a values award. Once a pupil has received an award for all three values s/he receives a values award. This week, 12 pupils from Culloden Primary Academy, 5 from Murrayfield Primary Academy and 4 from Piper’s Vale Primary Academy were recognised for receiving all three values awards and becoming values champions. Here are a few examples:
- Integrity – for always doing the right thing and being a role model for the rest of the class
- Community – for being kind and helpful to all and offering to help out around the classroom
- Excellence – for completing work to the highest standards and responding to feedback given.
Pupils were presented with a certificate and values champion badge by Bill Holledge, CEO, Paradigm Trust and enjoyed a festive afternoon tea with their families.
Solebay Primary Academy celebrates ‘good’ Ofsted rating
For the third time in a year, a Paradigm school has been praised by Ofsted. The recent inspection of Solebay Primary Academy re-confirmed the school as good (and it may be outstanding). Our focus is on developing and sustaining great schools and the full report – read here – shows that we are doing just that. Our pupils feel safe and well cared for, work hard, like coming to school, are polite and well-mannered. We look forward to welcoming Ofsted back to Solebay to learn more.