British Science Week at Northfield Primary School

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British Science Week at Northfield Primary School

British Science Week was celebrated at Northfield Primary School from Monday 9th March to Friday 13th March. Throughout the week, each key stage focused on carefully selected questions designed to spark curiosity and encourage scientific thinking. For Upper Key Stage 2 (UKS2), Science Lead, Tori Houghton, encouraged pupils to work collaboratively in groups of no more than four to generate their own scientific enquiry question based on personal interests. This task was introduced approximately one month in advance of Science Week, allowing pupils time to form groups, refine their ideas, and decide on a clear plan of action. During Science… Read more

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National Recognition for Our Commitment to Staff Development

We are proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 MAT Excellence award for Staff Development (1-12 schools). “Staff development at Pontefract Academies Trust has been transformed into a culture where learning, wellbeing and growth are woven into their every day. Through initiatives including their Everyday Development model, three development days, succession planning, and professional learning hub, they have created personalised development, strengthened retention, built leadership pipelines, and achieved high engagement and satisfaction.” The MAT Excellence Awards celebrate excellence and impact across multi-academy trusts, and the Staff Development award highlights trusts that provide exceptional opportunities for colleagues… Read more

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Pontefract Academies Trust Ranked 1st in the North and 6th Nationally for KS2 Attainment

We are incredibly proud to share the exceptional Key Stage 2 outcomes achieved across our Trust. Pontefract Academies Trust is 1st in the North of England and 6th across all England for KS2 attainment, based on DfE data. Across our Trust, 86% of pupils achieved the expected standard – 24% above the national average. By default, this also puts us 1st in Yorkshire and the Humber region for KS2 attainment. Strong Outcomes for Disadvantaged Pupils The DfE figures show that our outcomes for disadvantaged pupils are significantly above the national average for non-disadvantaged pupils. 73% of disadvantaged pupils across our… Read more

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Pontefract Academies Trust Commemorate Remembrance Day

This week, pupils and staff across Pontefract Academies Trust have honoured the annual Remembrance period through a wide range of events and activities, both within and beyond school. Pontefract Remembrance Day Parade On Sunday, representatives from across our schools took part in a parade at Pontefract’s War Memorial. Spencer and Isla, Head Boy and Head Girl from Northfield Primary School, laid a wreath on behalf of their school. Two pupil ambassadors from The Rookeries Junior, Infant & Nursery School delivered readings during the church service, representing their school with pride and respect. Many other pupils and staff attended, paying… Read more

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Top 10 in the country for staff feedback – Edurio Staff Survey

We’re proud to be part of Pontefract Academies Trust, which was recognised with the Trust Value Award for Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards – placing us among the top 10 performing trusts nationally, based on staff feedback. Edurio is a national education survey platform used by over 1,300 schools across the UK. They help organisations to gather honest, anonymous feedback, providing insights into everything from culture and wellbeing to leadership and pupil behaviour. Pontefract Academies Trust achieved fantastic results in the survey, with 85% of colleagues across the Trust saying they would recommend it as a good place to… Read more

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Exceptional Key Stage 2 Results for Pontefract Academies Trust

A huge congratulations to the incredible pupils across our primary schools on their exceptional SATs, Phonics, and Early Years results. We’re incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved, and grateful to the dedicated staff and families who have supported them every step of the way. Key Stage 2 (KS2) We are proud to share that 86% of our Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths – 24% above the national average of 62%. Four of our seven primary schools achieved over 85% in the combined standard: Larks Hill Junior and Infant School – 97% Halfpenny Lane… Read more

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PAT Primary Maths Championship

At the end of March, Pontefract Academies Trust had the pleasure of hosting the very first PAT Primary Maths Championship, bringing pupils together from across our seven primary schools for a day of fierce competition. This event was a celebration of the mathematical talent within our Trust and an opportunity for our brightest young minds to showcase their skills. Each of our seven primary schools entered a team of six students who were carefully selected for their outstanding abilities in Mathematics. The pupils competed in three challenging rounds: Relay Round, Puzzle Round, and Buzzer Round, which determined the two schools… Read more

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12 months of Northfield Primary School

Joe Ayre, Headteacher at Northfield Primary School, reflects on Northfield’s first 12 months with Pontefract Academies Trust. The first 12 months of Northfield Primary School as part of the Pontefract Academies Trust have been nothing short of transformative. Since joining the Trust in December 2023, the school has experienced a remarkable journey of growth, achievement, and community spirit. With the continued support and guidance from the Trust, alongside the leadership of our new Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, Northfield Primary School has made tremendous strides. Student Achievement and Engagement One of the standout successes of this period has been… Read more

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The Power of Education

In the heart of Pontefract, a group of nine schools are making waves in the education sector. Pontefract Academies Trust, comprising of seven primary schools and two secondary schools, was once struggling with underperformance. However, thanks to a significant shift in its leadership and culture, the Trust has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands tall as an outstanding success story of school improvement, with staff and students playing a vital role in its journey to success. In 2018, the primary schools’ performance across the Trust was amongst the weakest in the country. But this year, the primary schools’ performance… Read more

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