New era for Gedney Church End Primary Academy

It is the beginning of a new era for a primary school which aims to grow and thrive - following a damning Ofsted inspection.

Gedney Church End Primary Academy, which was judged as ‘inadequate’ last year, was part of Keystone Academy Trust but has now officially joined Voyage Education Partnership.

Under the new regime, the school has had a complete overhaul with a new roof, fire doors throughout the building, improvements to the fire alarm and access system plus brand new laptops for all staff.

Tom Baxter, executive headteacher, has been pleased with the progress made so far.

He said: “It has been a great first few weeks and great to get started.

“So much has been achieved already and the learners, families and staff have been fantastic.

“We want to grow our numbers over the coming months and we are very much looking forward to our open week in November.”

During last year’s inspection, Ofsted inspectors highlighted a series of weaknesses at the school which included disruptive behaviour, children not feeling safe and poor attendance from disadvantaged youngsters.

Since then the school has undergone a series of changes - including appointing a new head of school - Jade Chadburn.

To support learning a number of iPads and a whole new selection of books for the reading scheme have been purchased.

An after-school sports club is being implemented and the school had a book fair run by Boston Bookworms.

Last month the school went yellow and gold to raise awareness for childhood cancer and has plans to grow in numbers.

Mr Baxter said: “Over recent years, myself and Jade have worked with two learners that have been impacted by childhood cancer.

“So it was great to be able to bring awareness and watch all the families get behind it and raise some money along the way.”

“Although we currently have lower numbers than we would like, I see it as a blessing and we have had six new starters since the start of September so that is a huge positive.”