Ormiston Herman Academy has welcomed aspiring future headteachers to its school as part of a programme to help recruit school leaders in the East of England.
East 100 is a partnership of six multi-academy trusts across the region, including Ormiston Academies Trust, Asset Education, The Chiltern Learning Trust, the Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust, Meridian Trust, and Unity Schools Partnership. It is an innovative leadership programme for aspiring headteachers, aiming to help eradicate the disadvantage gap in the East of England through shared best practice, local collaboration, and practical visits.
Ormiston Herman Academy was selected to take part in the programme after being recognised for its high-quality and innovative school leadership, which has helped pupils and staff across Gorleston to thrive in their learning and education.
Senior school leaders taking part in the East 100 programme toured the Ormiston Herman Academy to see first-hand the school’s leading curriculum and planning, and to speak to Principal Kristy Redhead about her ambitions for the school’s future and her decision-making process.
The school also hosted a learning walk, allowing the incoming headteachers to learn about how Ormiston Herman has implemented its teaching and learning priorities in the classroom, as well as speak to pupils about their learning experiences.
Among some of the many takeaways, the discussions highlighted the importance of school leaders in maintaining high expectations for all and how schools can apply effective strategies to raise standards for all children and young people.
Kristy Redhead, Principal at Ormiston Herman Academy, said: “We were delighted to welcome East 100 and a group of aspiring headteachers to our academy to talk about how we can raise standards for all children in the East of England, ensuring that everyone has access to the best possible education.
“At Herman, we’re incredibly proud of our leadership and teaching team, and the work they do every day to create excellent learning. It was wonderful to share insight into our leadership priorities, our future plans for our school, and give a tour of our incredible classrooms and Early Years learning. We were thrilled to receive such warm feedback from learners on the programme and we look forward to seeing all they achieve in their future careers!”
Jon Hutchinson, Regional Director for East of England at The Reach Foundation, said: “We all fell in love with Ormiston Herman. The approach to early years, in particular, knocked our socks off. There was such intentionality and we saw every child making huge progress whilst engaging in thoughtful activities and interactions with skilled adults. This care, attention, rigour and joy really was indicative of the whole school. Kristy and the leadership have created a superb culture where children (and staff) clearly flourish.”
Kelly Ashford, Interim Head of School at Wells Hall Primary School, who visited Herman, said: “I was incredibly impressed by the clarity of vision demonstrated by the Early Years Lead, in particular. She has established a setting that caters to the needs of learners with wide-ranging interests and has clearly mastered effective strategies of enhancing continuous provision. It felt like the setting was built with love and intent. What a remarkable place for young children to learn and grow!”