A BARNSLEY school labelled the 32nd worst in the country a decade ago has turned its fortunes around to such an extent that it has been nominated in the School of the Year category in the Proud of Barnsley awards.
The nomination pays tribute to the hard work, dedication and belief that has transformed the fortunes of the school and with it hundreds of young lives.
“The Forest Academy is quite simply a place where magic happens it is a school where the love for children and learning is palpable, and something that visitors regularly comment on,” says the nomination.
“Academic achievements and Ofsted reports are great but what makes Forest so special is its culture of warmth, respect and care.
“It is unique and something that is a huge sense of pride for the whole Forest community.
“The quality and totality of the offer at Forest sets the standard and is a benchmark for other schools.
“It was perhaps worded best in Forest’s recent outstanding Ofsted: ‘the Forest promise of ‘be the best that you can be is lived and breathed by all in this community of excellence and achievement. An ethos of care and compassion runs through the school. Nobody is left behind. Staff share a relentless commitment to giving all pupils the very best education and improving their life chances’.”
Principal at The Forest Academy, formerly Kendray Primary School, Katie Pierce has worked at the school for 12 years and is in her fourth year as principal.
“It has been incredible to be part of the school’s journey.
“We went from being named the 32nd worst school in the country to the most improved in the region and the seventh most improved in the country.
“It’s been a huge team effort it’s testament to the staff, the pupils who make it what it is as well as incredibly supportive parents and being part of a trust and governors who believe in what we do here.”
