Additional needs school improves Ofsted ratingNidderdale High parents face £200 daily minibus bill after council cancels school busCouncil faces calls to reconsider charging parents £792 for school bus

Opposition groups are calling on North Yorkshire Council to reconsider a move to increase the basic home to school transport charge for post-16 students to nearly £800 a year, saying access to education is supposed to be free and equal.

Criticism of the proposed six per cent rise to be put to meeting of leading councillors behind closed doors on Tuesday (May 7) comes as the council this week received a petition from several hundred parents over its cost-cutting plan to limit free transport for under-16s to a child’s nearest school.

Both proposals have emerged as the council looks to stem impact of the cost of providing home to school transport, which continues to rise faster than inflation, increasing by more than £3m in the last year.

Meanwhile it is tackling a recurring annual deficit of about £40m in its budget, of which school transport is the third largest item of expenditure at £42m a year.

If the post-16 proposal is agreed, school transport would cost families an average between £2.04 and £7.33 per day – up to £792 a year for each child. The charge would represent a 60 per cent rise since 2018/19.

An officer’s report to the corporate director and executive members’ meeting states an above inflation increase was discounted because the Department of Education is expected to publish fresh guidance on post-16 transport later this year, leading to potential major changes.

However, it underlines a 50 per cent discount on the charges should be offered to low income families.

The report states North Yorkshire’s geography presents challenges for young people who are expected to remain in education, employment or training until aged 18.

It adds:

“The council’s current decision to provide assistance beyond year 11 is a discretionary commitment to improve access to education for young people aged over 16.

“The application of adopting a single contribution fee, irrespective of distance travelled is to ensure that young people in rural communities are not disadvantaged when compared to those living in towns.

“The recommendation to offer a reduction to low-income families increases the opportunity for young people to move into further education and supports aspirations of higher education and employment.”

The authority’s executive member for education, Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, has been approached for comment.

Leaders of the authority’s opposition groups said while access education was supposed to be free and equal to all, parents of post-16 not in walking distance of a school, college or training venue were facing huge bills.

Independent group leader Councillor Stuart Parsons said while the Government was insisting post-16 children remained in education or training parents were facing having to pay a “ludicrous amount of money”.

He said:

“It’s almost like paying bed and breakfast rates in prison. This will impact on many low income families. Children will feel guilty they are costing their parents a fortune. Rishi Sunak’s government is penalising youngsters who live in rural communities.”

Councillor Steve Shaw Wright, who leads the Labour group, said high post-16 transport costs would put some families off.

He said:

“In North Yorkshire unless you live in a town with a sixth-form you are in trouble. If we don’t encourage people to go, then it becomes only the people with money who can go.”

Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Bryn Griffiths said the council had received a Government funding windfall which could have been used to offset home to school transport costs rather than being “parked in the authority’s reserves”.

He added:

“For families who are struggling it is getting silly and is another nail in the coffin for people who are trying to do their best by their children. So much for free education in this country.”

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Ripon primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

A primary school at West Tanfield, near Ripon, has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating.

St Nicholas Church of England Primary School on Mowbray Terrace is a mixed primary school with 49 students currently enrolled.

The school has maintained its status as good since 2010.

The report said “pupils thrive at this small and inclusive school” and praised St Nicholas for its “ambitious curriculum”, “exemplary” behaviour from pupils, and “wide range of opportunities”.

The report added:

“The school has a strong spirit of community. It shows genuine care for pupils and works in effective partnership with parents and carers to meet pupils’ individual needs. Pupils enjoy school. They work and play happily with each other and build trusting relationships with staff.”

Headteacher Sarah Taylor said:

‘We are incredibly proud of the excellent feedback in our report and delighted that the report recognised the exemplary behaviour of our pupils and that our school is an inclusive school where children thrive.

“None of this would have been possible without the professionalism and dedication of our school staff who Ofsted recognised as providing all children with a high-quality education.”

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Find out how your child can join the Cundall family at a school open morning

This story is sponsored by Cundall Manor School. 

Ensuring your child thrives in an environment that fosters and uplifts them throughout their educational journey should be the standard when seeking a school.

Cundall Manor School prides itself on excelling in providing an environment that fosters a love of learning and enables each of its pupils to be the best version of themselves.

Prospective students and parents can experience what the Cundall community have deemed ‘the Cundall magic’ themselves, at an open morning on Friday May 10, 2024, from 9.30am onwards.

About Cundall

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

Cundall is a co-educational, independent school for boys and girls, between the ages of 2 and 16 years old. Situated in 28 acres of picturesque landscape between Ripon and Thirsk, it has been providing an education to children in the region and beyond for over half a century.

Cundall has established its reputation as an aspirational place that aims to create well-rounded individuals ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

A happy, safe, and stimulating environment 

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

The idyllic nursery environment and school offers a tailored, bespoke approach to education for each child, for them to flourish in the areas they love, and be supported in those they need additional help in. Small class sizes allow for individual attention.

While academic excellence is one of the cornerstones of Cundall, there’s also a great emphasis placed upon creating a ‘character curriculum’ – where academia and enrichment programmes are intertwined concepts, held in equal regard.

Pupils are presented with a vibrant school calendar of activities that broaden their horizons and enrich their experiences throughout their school life.

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

Alongside dynamic classroom teaching, pupils embark on thrilling day trips and excursions regularly, both locally and abroad such as the challenge of completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks and Ben Nevis, international exchange programmes with European schools and volunteering in Morocco for their end of year trip to mention just a few.

The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is also compulsory for students to undertake, as Cundall believes it directly complements its ethos of CODE – challenge, ownership, dialogue, and engagement. Many students are inspired to then go on and complete their Silver Awards before embarking on their GCSEs.

Sport is also a huge part of school life; with access to expansive grass sports pitches, Astro Turf , a swimming pool and tennis courts, Cundall has many teams that children can get involved with, at all levels of abilities. Teamwork is a key ethos of the school – children play, learn, develop and mature within a strong year group unit.

The open morning

(Image: Cundall Manor School)

To find out more about the holistic educational experience that Cundall offers its pupils from nursery through to senior school, parents are invited to attend the next open day, on Friday, May 10, from 9.30am.

A parent of a Cundall pupil commented:

“Cundall encourages children’s strengths to flourish, so that they thrive and excel in those areas'”

Find out more:

The next open day at Cundall Manor is Friday, May 10, 2024 from 9.30am onwards.

To find out more, visit the website, call 01423 360 200, or register your interest in attending the morning here. 

Harrogate primary school appoints new headteacher

A Harrogate primary school has announced a new headteacher and deputy-head teacher.

Hookstone Chase Primary School has appointed James Hughes as the new headteacher and Hannah Norton as the new deputy headteacher.

Mr Hughes has been acting head since October 2023. He has worked in primary schools for 18 years.

Before starting at Hookstone Chase, he held the position of deputy headteacher at nearby Willow Tree Primary School for 13 years.

Mr Hughes said:

“I am thrilled to become the new Headteacher at Hookstone Chase Primary School and am committed to unlocking the potential of every one of our young learners.

“Alongside Hannah and our talented staff team we will nurture academic excellence and strengthen connections with our local community to cultivate a vibrant and diverse learning environment.”

Ms Norton joins the school from New Park Primary School, also in Harrogate, where she was assistant headteacher and special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

Hookstone Chase Primary School

Hookstone Chase Primary School is part of Northern Star Academies Trust, a partnership of 15 primary and secondary schools across North and West Yorkshire, five of which are in Harrogate.

Harrogate High School, New Park Primary Academy School , Starbeck Primary Academy and Willow Tree Community Primary School are also in the trust.

The trust’s CEO, Jenn Plews, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome both James and Hannah to their new roles at Hookstone Chase Primary School and to support them as they lead the school into this new chapter.

“As a growing Yorkshire Trust we put people at the heart of everything we do and know that excellent education starts with excellent teachers. We take great pride in being able to provide career advancement prospects within our Trust partnership and are so pleased that both James and Hannah are taking the next step in their career at Northern Star.”

Hookstone Chase Primary School is also looking for a volunteer governor. If you  would like to find out more about the role contact governance@nsat.org.uk. 

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Knaresborough primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

Knaresborough St John’s Church of England Primary School  has received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating in its latest report.

Inspectors described the school, which is part of Elevate Multi Academy Trust, as “welcoming and caring” and said “the school places very high value on pupils’ personal development”.

The report said there was a strong relationships between pupils and adults. It added that there was a rarity of bullying in the school and a broad and ambitious curriculum.

The report said:

“Respect is at the very heart of this school and individuality is celebrated. Pupils say that one of the best things about their school is how kind staff are. Leaders at all levels are passionate about their school and have high expectations.

“Their goal is for students to flourish in all areas, this includes academically, spiritually and by becoming active in the local community.”

Knaresborough St John’s Church of England Primary School on Stockwell Road.

Alex Hope, the school’s headteacher, said the staff took pride in the findings in the latest Ofsted report.

He said:

“I am so proud of everyone involved with Knaresborough St John’s C of E Primary School for being recognised as being a good school that provides the best possible start for our youngest children.

“We know the importance of the earliest years in school and how they create the foundation for the rest of a child’s school life. We take pride in this being one of our exceptional strengths.”

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Councillors reject last-ditch bid to save Fountains Earth school

Councillors have rejected a bid to ‘call in’ the decision by the Conservative-run executive to close Fountains Earth primary school in Nidderdale.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive met last month in Northallerton to approve the closure following a consultation. It took effect at the end of March.

The school in Lofthouse near Pateley Bridge faced dwindling pupil numbers in recent years and had no pupils on its books.

The school received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted less than two years ago.

At a specially arranged meeting at County Hall, Cllr Andrew Murday (Liberal Democrat, Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale) asked that the decision to close the school be taken again, either by the executive or at a full meeting of the council.

Following Cllr Murday’s request, the children and families overview and scrutiny committee had the power to explore if the executive had all the information available to it when it made its decision.

Councillors heard from Stephen Ledger, a former parent at the school who said Fountains Earth had been the “heart of the community” until 2022.

He then described how “brilliant” permanent teachers left without explanation, which led to the school relying on agency staff. He said it left children “confused and unsettled” and confidence in the school from parents evaporated.

Cllr Stephen Ramsden, chair of Upper Nidderdale Parish Council, pleaded with councillors to help keep the school open for a September 2024 start. He said:

“With good skilled management this situation can be turned around”.

Cllr Murday again called for an investigation to take place first into the leadership of the Upper Nidderdale Federation, which ran the school, related to its academic and financial performance, as well as communication with parents.

He added:

“There is a problem throughout the country in funding rural schools. They are really important parts of the community.”

Stuart Carlton, North Yorkshire Council’s Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service, read out a statement that addressed concerns raised.

He said the council did not have the power to investigate the governance of the federation.

Mr Carlton added:

“Due to the remote location of the school it struggled to retain staff. The federation considered the future of the school only after exhausting all avenues to sustain its future.  We realise the importance of schools in rural communities, despite this, we can’t keep schools open where there are no pupils on the roll.”

Councillors voted unanimously to reject the call-in request and agreed that the executive had received a thorough report and details from officers before making its decision.

Cllr Heather Phillips (Conservative, Seamer) said:

“This is the end of the matter and the school should be considered closed from the end of this meeting. It was a clear-cut decision made by the executive.”

Heather Peacock (Conservative, Upper Dales) added:

“None of us like to see a school closed but what happened at executive is they had all the information to make its decision.”

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Harrogate primary school receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

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.”

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Six reasons to attend Ashville College’s Sixth Form Taster Day

This article is sponsored by Ashville College Sixth Form.

We understand that choosing a Sixth Form can bring excitement and nerves in equal measure. To any young person, Sixth Form is a time of enrichment, commitment and increasing independence as they move closer to adulthood. They may even have heard from people close to them that Sixth Form was the best time of their school lives. It is not a decision to take lightly.

Ashville College’s Sixth Form Taster Day on Thursday, January 18 is designed to give Year 11s a taste of Sixth Form academic and social life, and to hopefully help them decide if we will be a good fit, both for them as individuals and in paving the way for their future plans.

Here are six things your child will discover on our Taster Day. If they don’t, we are not doing it right!

High-quality teaching

By attending pre-selected sessions, your child will gain first-hand experience of our range of more than 25 A Levels plus BTEC and Cambridge Technical qualifications and start to get acquainted with our teachers, who are specialists in their chosen disciplines.

What it feels like to be a Sixth Former

The feeling may be a little artificial as they haven’t officially started yet, but a Taster Day is as close to the real thing as possible. They can wear suits, experience the school environment, have exclusive use of the dedicated Sixth Form Centre, and taste the food!

A sense of confidence that we will help them get into their preferred university

In 2023, 94 per cent of the summer 2023 cohort of Upper Sixth pupils were awarded places at their preferred universities in the UK and around the world, based on their A Level results. Teachers work tirelessly to deliver the best possible academic outcomes for each pupil.

They will be known as individuals

We work with every young person to get to know them and help them realise their potential, whether that is in their chosen fields of study or their co-curricular pursuits.

There’s more to gain than exam results

Sixth Form can be synonymous with A Levels, but they’re only part of the story. At Ashville, ‘Future Ready’ provides experiences and skills that aim to assist our young people well into the future, and our strong Co-curricular Programme enables them to continue to pursue existing interests and discover new ones, aiding personal growth as well as mental and physical wellbeing.

It’s not just about work!

By spending time with the Ashville community, attendees will learn that we as a College believe that the Sixth Form days are about more than studying and exams, and that pupils learn best when they are happy.

So much awaits beyond the Ashville classroom, from the friendships they will make to the incredible trips and end-of-year parties. Sadly, our Taster Day can’t convey all the special moments ahead of them; they will have to join us to discover those!

Sign your child up now for an enjoyable, valuable and eye-opening day.

We look forward to meeting them. Click or Tap here to register now.