'Special measures' primary school gains global recognition five years on

'Special measures' primary school gains global recognition five years on

A White Rose Academies Trust primary school in Meanwood, Leeds has received global recognition, five years after being placed into ‘special measures’, the Yorkshire Evening Post has reported.

Alder Tree Primary Academy has been awarded High Performance Learning World Class School status.

Ofsted put the school in special measures in 2020, when the school was known as Mill Field Primary Academy. The school joined White Rose Academies Trust in December 2020, with Kate Burton appointed as principal in January 2021.

The High Performance Learning World Class School Award is reserved for schools that demonstrate world-class standards in teaching, learning, leadership and pupil outcomes. Such schools are recognised as being among the very best educational institutions globally.

Following its accreditation visit, HPL praised the school for successfully embedding High Performance Learning throughout its culture, curriculum and wider community.

Burton said: “This award is a proud moment for everyone connected with Alder Tree Primary Academy. Our staff, pupils, families and wider community have worked incredibly hard over the past five years and this recognition reflects that collective effort.

“When we began this journey, we had a clear vision for what our school could become. We believed that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserved the opportunity to access a world-class education. To now receive international recognition for that work is incredibly rewarding.”