Fresh start for town school
Ambitious new sponsors of a North Lincolnshire school promised students, parents and the wider community a fresh start when it formally transferred ownership today.
Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust (LGAT) made an instant impact by changing Huntcliff School’s name to Kirton Academy.
Significant investment will be made over the next two years to “considerably upgrade” facilities.
Martin Brown, LGAT’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kirton Academy to the Trust from today.
“We have been supporting the school since the start of the academic year and believe it joining the Trust will further accelerate the progress made.
“Today marks a fresh start. The new name gives it a clearer identity and closer connection to the town it serves.
“We look forward to working with staff, parents and children to turn the clocks back to when the school had a first-class reputation in the community.
“They will see much needed investment being made over the next two years to improve facilities to bring the site up to the standard of our other academies.”
To support its plans, the Trust recruited and appointed new Principal Emma Ricketts, who started on 1st April.
She said: “I’m delighted the transfer has gone through. Kirton Academy has a bright future and is proud to be part of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust.
“I’ve only been in post a short time but can feel its potential and the determination to work together to realise it.
“I want to create a culture of excellence and achievement, where success is celebrated.
“Around 30 more students will enter Year 7 in September than did so last year. The word is getting out that positive changes are being made and we are looking to build on that momentum.”
Executive Principal (Secondary) at LGAT Philip Dickinson will continue to have oversight of Kirton Academy.
“We began supporting staff in September and the improvements were confirmed by Ofsted inspectors when they visited last term,” he said.
“Major investment will improve the teaching and learning environment for staff and students.”
The investment will provide refurbished science, food technology and other classrooms, new changing rooms, and improved toilet facilities.
Mr Dickinson said: “We have already started to remodel reception to create a more welcoming environment but this marks only the start of a substantial programme of works over the next two years.
“Our students at Kirton Academy will have first class facilities to support their learning.”
New uniforms incorporating the new school colours and branding will be worn by students from September 2024.
The Trust is purchasing all branded items for existing and new Year 7 students ready for the new academic year, to ensure families do not incur additional costs.
The school’s new website is www.kirtonacademy.co.uk and it can also be found on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The school becomes the eighth to join the Trust. Others include Waltham Toll Bar, Louth, Cleethorpes and Somercotes secondary academies.
Any questions about the changes can be emailed to enquiries@kirtonacademy.co.uk