The future is bright at Laburnum Primary School
Staff, parents and pupils have expressed their optimism following the confirmation that Laburnum Primary School joined the high-performing school trust, Advantage Schools, on 1st March.
Laburnum Primary School is a small, friendly primary school in Sandy where the relationships staff strive to build with pupils and families is highly valued by the community. Within the glowing reviews of the school, one parent stated, “This school is at the centre of the community,” and a pupil explained, “I can learn here and behaviour is good.”
Advantage Schools already runs some of the highest performing schools in Bedfordshire and has a national reputation for excellent standards of teaching, curriculum, and pupil conduct. The trust’s aim is to create the conditions whereby all children can achieve extraordinary things.
The trust is led by chief executive, Stuart Lock, who is also one of the Department for Education’s National Behaviour Advisors. He said, “Laburnum Primary School is a lovely school which serves a special community. I’ve been struck by the character of the pupils and the commitment of the staff. This school can be one of the best in the country, and that is what we will deliver together over the next few years.”
Headteacher Ben Bardell said, “Laburnum Primary School is delighted to formally join Advantage Schools. From the work that we have already done together I am convinced that high quality support and guidance will ensure this is a positive step for the school, and will lead to further improvements for the benefit of our school community.”
Chair of Advantage Schools, Mark McCourt reflected that the trust aims to “establish schools that offer excellence in terms of a world-class education and pupil personal development.” Mr McCourt also said, “it is a privilege for us to be trusted to deliver very high standards to the community of Sandy, and we look forward to all five schools supporting each other to deliver the quality of education that pupils deserve.”
Laburnum Primary School’s governing body will evolve with an expert chair appointed, and will include members of the current governing body. Families may not notice sudden changes, but Advantage Schools expect significant further improvements in behaviour, results and the quality of teaching and learning. As part of a larger organization, Laburnum is well-placed to become a local centre of excellence. The future really is bright at Laburnum.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
Laburnum Primary School joined Advantage Schools on 1st March 2024 and became an academy.
Laburnum Primary School is independently run by Advantage Schools Trust, bringing a wealth of experience in delivering outstanding education. Advantage Schools has a track record of excellence in Bedfordshire, operating Bedford Free School, an ‘Outstanding’-rated secondary school, Houstone School, a newly-opened secondary school, and two ‘Good’-rated primary schools – Elstow School and Queen’s Park Academy – Advantage Schools Trust is well-equipped to provide the highest standard of education for the pupils of Laburnum Primary School. https://www.advantageschools.co.uk/
