MILEFIELD Primary School in Grimethorpe has undoubtedly been on a huge journey over recent years.
Following an Ofsted inspection in November 2019 that stated ‘the school was going through a period of turbulence’ and ‘expectation for pupils are not high enough’, it now could not be any further from that position.
The transformation is so dramatic that it’s gone from being one of the lowest-performing schools in the borough, year-on-year, to now be in a position where, for the first time ever, outcomes in all year groups are above national figures.
Headteacher Karen Trickett, who has been at the school since 2010, is justifiably proud of the vast improvements that have taken place.
“We completely transformed our approach and there was no looking back from there.
“We set ourselves high expectations and everyone in school has pulled together we want to give our pupils the best life chance that we can.”
Now part of Hoyland Common Academy Trust (HCAT) the school has not only turned its own fortunes around, it also supports other schools within the Trust now.
Milefield has been nominated in the Proud of Barnsley School of the Year category.
“Everyone in my staff team has contributed 100 per cent to the improvements in school,” Karen added.
“We all have a shared vision and the drive and dedication because we want the best for our children.
“Everyone works incredibly hard and it is an absolute privilege to be recognised for all that hard work which has gone on for the last few years.
“We have worked to build positive relationships with parents and the community and that has been reflected in improved attendance and that our children want to come to school because it is exciting and positive.”
The nomination said: “The school invested in an amazing new library space which promotes the real passion for learning that can be seen threaded throughout the school, and the wonderful and exciting curriculum that teachers deliver day in day out that has also led to a vast increase in school attendance.
“Milefield Primary is a school that the community can be wholeheartedly proud of.”
