Dear GA Families

As you are already aware I will be changing my role within The Greenshaw Learning Trust, from September, to being the Deputy Director of Secondary Education.  I have been the proud Headteacher at GA for 2 1/2 years, and I think we can all look back proudly on what has been achieved.  Even more importantly, it is our belief that the foundations are in place to make GA the very best performing school in the country, very soon.  The progress and improvements cannot happen without the incredible staff at GA - please recognise this and celebrate with me that the students at GA are very lucky to have such a committed and talented staff body.

I recognise we have challenged everyone to give students the very best education, including the challenge to parents to support your child with uniform, equipment, and homework. I will not apologise for holding high expectations for all involved and for never lowering expectations that all students can achieve and be successful.

Outcomes and more

Results this summer are likely to place the school as one of the most improved in the whole country, and this should make everyone very proud.  However, although results are the most important thing in themselves, they are nothing without character.  GA has developed a world class enrichment and sporting programme, Character Education programme, Pre-school Prep Provision (free for all), free breakfast bagels for all students, some of the very best facilities in the area, the most competitive sports fixtures ever carried out at GA - including the most wins.  We truly are a Grammar school for ALL students.

Summer rewards

It really has been a joy to see all students rewarded, at various levels, for this hard work this year. From cinema experiences, Ninja Warrior, Tubing, rock climbing, laser tag, glow sports and much more.  This really does emphasise the culture of ‘work hard, be kind’.

Staffing Update

As ever at this time of year, we are always sad to have to say goodbye to some members of staff.  We wish them the very best and thank them for their commitment, service and hard work whilst at GA.  To support our ambitions for your child, it is also incredibly important that you know we have recruited some very talented staff to replace those leaving and to maintain the current momentum to ensure your child climbs their own personal mountain to the very best university or profession.

It has been an exciting couple of years, and I cannot think of anyone more committed and dedicated to GA and its students than Mrs Lewis.  As the Headteacher, in September, she will bring new ideas and develop GA to being a beacon of excellence all with an uncompromising focus on every single student to be their best and to ‘work hard and be kind’.  I would also like to thank her personally for the support and honesty she has provided myself as Headteacher, I will be forever grateful.

I wish everyone the very best for the exciting future ahead, and can’t wait to visit in the new academic year. 

Have a great summer break.

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Heap

Headteacher