Academy status could lead to investment in Harrogate school, says head

In The headteacher of St John Fisher Catholic High School has said becoming an academy could help the school invest in more modern facilities.

The school, which has about 1,450 pupils aged 11 to 18, joined the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust this week.

Steve Mort said pupils and parents would notice little immediate change but there were long-term benefits of being part of a multi-academy trust with 11 other schools that are directly funded by government rather than through North Yorkshire County Council.

He said it would make it easier to get capital investment for new buildings or refurbishments and the school would also benefit from economies of scale by sharing some back office functions with other schools in the academy.

Mr Mort said:

“The normal everyday running of the school school and children’s experiences of it should not feel that different. However, over time there are plans to develop our infrastructure.”

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The school, on Hookstone Drive, was built to accommodate 800 pupils on the site of a former convent and now has almost double that number.

Besides St John Fisher, The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust has 11 other schools, including St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and St Robert’s Catholic Primary School in Harrogate and St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Knaresborough. It plans to increase this number to 18.

‘The time is right’

Mr Mort, who joined the school last year, said St John Fisher was always destined to become an academy to fulfil the vision of Marcus Stock, the Catholic bishop of Leeds, who wants all 85 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Leeds divided into five multi-academy trusts.

The school therefore wasn’t being “forced” into the move, said Mr Mort, unlike some that become academies. He added:

“The governors feel that the school is financially stable and a new leadership team has established itself so the time is right.”

He added the associated sixth form with St Aidan’s Church of England High School would not be affected by the move.

Although St John Fisher is no longer financed or managed by the county council, it still has to report to it in certain areas, such as safeguarding and provision of funding for special needs pupils.

The trust, which is based in Menston, West Yorkshire, is named after Bishop William Gordon Wheeler, who was Bishop of Leeds from 1966 to 1985.

 

 

Harrogate weightlifter competes for place at Commonwealth Games

A 20-year-old Harrogate athlete is set to compete at the World Para Powerlifting this weekend when she has the chance to earn a place at the Commonwealth Games.

Charlotte McGuinness is lifting in the women up to 50kg category at the event in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi today and tomorrow.

While she is still unable to bring anyone with her due to coronavirus restrictions, her supporters are able to watch the competition on the Paralympic Games YouTube channel.

She studies Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Trinity University but Charlotte is from and lives in Harrogate and is proud to represent her home town.

Her passion for the sport began while studying at St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate.

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Earlier this year we reported on how she won a bronze medal for Team GB at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in March.

That success in Manchester combined with a good result this weekend in Georgia would give Charlotte a good chance at qualifying for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham next year.

She told the Stray Ferret ahead of the big day:

“It would be amazing because it’s a home Commonwealth Games, so that is my main aim.

“To be able to be one of the paralympic representatives of the town is cool. I am proud to fly the flag for Harrogate.

“I have had a couple of international experiences so I know what to expect now. With the event over two days recovery will be important. But I feel well prepared.”