Our role as system leaders
Our National Support School has a track record for rapid transformation which is founded on clear expectations, a visionary curriculum approach and robust systems for mutual accountability. By working closely with other schools, we are able to draw on expertise across our network of schools & teaching hubs in order to ensure sustainable school improvement.
The trust started from Jerry Clay Academy. JCA has been a National Support School for the last 7 years. During this time, JCA have supported 17 schools, as intense support projects to ensure that they have made an improvement of an Ofsted rating with sustainable improvement for the future. JCA have welcomed over 500 schools, locally and nationally, during this time through large scale conferences and school improvement professional development too. We believe we have a proven track record of improving standards and outcomes, we have grown our capacity to support schools through our work as a National Support School and over the last 6 years as an English Hub, currently supporting over 150 schools.
As a National Support School & English Hub, our aims have been to transform childrens lives in some of Yorkshires most challenged communities. This means helping our children raise aspirations and ambitions so that they are able to make a positive contribution within and beyond our local communities.
Many of our supported schools have served challenging communities with high levels of deprivation and a history of underperformance. Our mission is to continue working with schools that have historically struggled to fulfil their potential. We aim to show that through outstanding school leadership and a values-based approach to planning school improvement, all children can succeed.
Our collaborative network of partnerships
The Trusts school improvement model recognises the stimulus and learning that comes from engaging with schools and practice both within and outside the Trust, so we will build on effective existing strategic partnerships with Wakefield, Leeds, North Yorkshire, Kirklees and Lancashire LAs. As one of 34 English Hubs across the country, our academy already collaborates extensively and effectively with other local Trusts & the DfE.
By working closely with other schools, we are able to draw on expertise across our network of schools & teaching hubs in order to ensure sustainable school improvement.
Our impact to date
- Through 17 intense support school projects, we have helped to improve the Ofsted rating of all of these schools
- Most recently we have supported 4 schools last year, 2 schools moved from RI to Good and we await the Ofsted of an inadequate school with predictions of Good.
- We were particularly pleased with the impact on Phonics improvement across Wakefield and Barnsley in 2023-24. Barnsley being placed as the 2nd highest performing LA in the country and Wakefield 3rd highest. We support over 150 schools across these areas.
- We have a training centre called Accomplishing Great Things Together that opened in September 2024. We provide a range of programmes for schools across the region. We are passionate about empowering workforces to be the best for the children they serve.