New Park Primary Academy on Skipton Road in Harrogate has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating in a report published today.

The report describes the school as “welcoming and friendly” and says it ensure pupils “get the support they need from the moment they start”.

It described the curriculum as “ambitious”, says children feel safe and leaders are “enthusiastic about their roles”.

It adds:

“Pupils settle quickly into the life of the school. Pupil buddies help those who are new to learn the school’s routines. They enjoy making friends.

“Most pupils achieve well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.”

New Park Primary Academy is operated by Northern Star Academies Trust.

The trust has nine schools, with five in the Harrogate area. New Park, Harrogate High, Starbeck community primary, Hookstone Chase primary and Willow Tree community primary.

New Park was rated ‘good’ at its previous inspection in 2018.

Headteacher Sasha Bune, who joined in September last year, said:

“We are really proud to maintain our ‘good’ judgement. We are happy Ofsted have recognised our ambitions for the school and the how hard all of the staff work.

“They looked at all areas of the school and saw our warm and nurturing feel and the high expectations the children have for themselves and how well behaved they all are.

“We have an ambitious curriculum and we are a very inclusive school with a big mix of pupils. We are very well supported by Northern Star Academies Trust and we will carry on being ambitious and keep on learning.”

Read more:

• Trading Hell: ‘Report crime so we can cut crime’, says BID manager
• Ripon man with incurable cancer to walk 268 miles for Harrogate charity 

Hookstone Chase Primary School in Harrogate is set to welcome a new headteacher this term.

Joe Cooper joins from All Saints’ Primary School in Ilkley where he spent three years as deputy headteacher.

Mr Cooper settled in Harrogate in 2005 from London. He has since developed his career in North Yorkshire, with short periods teaching in New Zealand and as a music specialist.

Mr Cooper said:

“It is a great privilege to have been asked to lead Hookstone Chase Primary School.  We have a proud history as an inclusive school for all children – with space for everyone to grow and develop their knowledge, skills and abilities.

“Straight away this term we will be opening a brand new outdoor play and learning area for our youngest children who are just joining us. We are a school that is investing in the future.”

Mr Cooper shares a ukulele lesson with pupils. Pic: John Furlong

Hookstone Chase is part of the Northern Star Academies Trust, which includes four other Harrogate schools, as well as schools in Skipton and Keighley.

Its other Harrogate schools are Harrogate High School, New Park Primary Academy School, Starbeck Primary Academy and Willow Tree Community Primary School.

Read more:

• Free school meals children will not face stigma, says North Yorkshire County Council
• Harrogate support group launched for pupils moving up from primary to secondary school

Craig Goold, chair of Hookstone Chase’s local governing body, said:

“Joe has hit the ground running.  It’s going to be a busy year ahead.  Joe has a huge amount of energy and drive. We are definitely a school that is going places in 2023.”

Jenn Plews, chief executive at Northern Star Academies Trust, said:

“It is great to have Joe on board. Joe has really embraced our trust’s deep commitment to sustainability, the environment and outdoor learning. He is just the kind of creative leader that schools need to bring education to life”.