2023-24
14 Schools
12,200 Students in 2023/24
WELCOME
FROM OUR CEO, KATH KELLY
This Annual Report provides a detailed account of the 2023-24 academic year – a year which also marked 10 years since we welcomed our first additional schools and became a Multi-Academy Trust.
Over the past decade we have continued to grow and develop, expanding to 16 schools across the East Midlands, in Leicester, Leicestershire and Derbyshire, with our 17th school built and due to open in 2025. Together, we have refined a broad, ambitious curriculum and an enriching extracurricular calendar that enable all our pupils – from primary school through to sixth form – to develop both academically and holistically. By doing this, we ensure all our young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive when they enter their next stage of education, or the world of work.
Reaching the 10 year milestone is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Lionheart community, and the collaboration demonstrated by all our stakeholders. From our teaching and associate staff, who uphold a pupil-centred, positive and professional approach, to our parents and carers, whose ongoing support remains invaluable, and most importantly, to our young learners, whose commitment to achieving their best is at the forefront of everything we do.
This annual report is not only a celebration of what we achieved together during 2023–24 but also a reflection of our mission, ensuring that any person from any background has an equal chance to be successful in whatever they choose to do.
Over the past year, we have consolidated our Trust-wide culture of diversity and inclusivity, while strengthening our reputation as an employer of choice. We have celebrated religious holidays, recognised incredible staff contributions through our peer-to-peer awards scheme – the Heart Awards – and supported professional growth through enriching CPD opportunities.
Our schools returned another outstanding collection of exam results while, expanding into South Derbyshire, we also welcomed Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School into the Trust. Ofsted also inspected five of our schools this year, awarding ratings of either ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in the final year of one-word judgements. Beyond academic success, pupils embraced a variety of extracurricular opportunities, from The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to collaborative events such as Lionheart Speaks and Lionheart Games, events that encouraged staff and pupils to network with peers from schools across the Trust
We continued to lead the way as ambassadors for environmental conservation, by launching initiatives to promote sustainability – such as hosting the first Lionheart Eco Rally – and worked tirelessly to improve our school buildings and IT infrastructure, thus ensuring a positive learning and working environment. Moreover, through our teacher training programme, Lionheart Teach, we nurtured the next generation of educators, equipping them with the skills to evolve into confident and capable classroom practitioners.
As we reflect on a decade of progress, growth and achievement, this report showcases how the Lionheart community has worked together to make a meaningful impact across our schools. It highlights the challenges we have overcome, the milestones we have celebrated and our unwavering commitment to providing every young person with the opportunities they need to succeed.
Here’s to the next chapter in our journey.
Kath Kelly CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust
LIONHEART'S JOURNEY
APRIL 2013
Lionheart Academies Trust founded as a single academy trust by Beauchamp College.
MARCH 2014
Highcliffe and Riverside Primary Schools joined, and with Trust support achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. Lionheart became a multiacademy trust.
NOVEMBER 2019
In November, the ‘Outstanding’ Brocks Hill Primary School joined the Trust.
MARCH 2019
Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College, an ‘Outstanding’ secondary school in Leicester, joined the Trust, working in unison with Beauchamp College to extend this top-tier standard of provision to all of our of schools.
AUGUST 2020
The Trust opened Beauchamp City Sixth Form, a new Post16 Free School in Leicester City Centre, focusing on a traditional academic A-level curriculum.
JULY 2021
The Trust changed its name to Lionheart Educational Trust to better reflect the breadth of work it undertakes in education.
MARCH 2015
The Cedars Academy joined the Lionheart Trust and through the sharing of best practice and extensive collaboration, later achieved a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
AUGUST 2017
The Trust opened Hallam Fields Primary School following the success of our other primary schools.
OCTOBER 2018
Humphrey Perkins School in Barrow upon Soar joined the Trust, extending our provision throughout Leicestershire. They later gained a 'Good' Ofsted rating and were awarded 'Leicestershire Live School of the Year 2020'.
SEPTEMBER 2022
Three Coalville-based schools – The Castle Rock, The Newbridge and Broom Leys Primary Schools – joined Lionheart, with an ambitious and continuous improvement plan implemented from the very start.
SEPTEMBER 2018
Martin High School joined the Trust, and formed the Cedars Martin Sixth Form in partnership with The Cedars Academy.
AUGUST 2023
The Pioneers' Centre opened to ensure quality alternative provision for Lionheart students where an alternative approach to education was needed.
JUNE & JULY 2024
Mercia Academy and neighbouring school, Newhall Junior, joined Lionheart following a period of support.
OUR SCHOOLS
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR COMMUNITY OF SCHOOLS
Lionheart comprises 16 schools across Leicester, Leicestershire and South Derbyshire: five primary, one junior, nine secondary (three with sixth form provision) and one dedicated sixth form. This includes the addition of two Derbyshire schools – Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior School – who joined Lionheart at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.
Associate Principal: Alice King
Beauchamp College
Sir Jonathan North Girls' College
Knighton Lane East, Leicester LE2 6FU T: 0116 270 8116
Associate Principal: Helen Coles-Hennessey
Judgemeadow Community College
Marydene Drive, Evington, Leicester LE5 6HP T: 0116 241 1920
Associate Principal: Alex Grainge
Associate Principal: Catherine Bartholomew 4
Beauchamp City Sixth Form
South Albion Street, Leicester LE1 6LT T: 0116 497 9330
Martin High School
Link Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7EB T: 0116 236 3291
Associate Principal: Nina Smith
The Cedars Academy
Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicester, LE4 4GH T: 0116 267 7107
Associate Principal: James Rolfe
Hallam Fields Primary School
Long Meadow Way, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3LL T: 0116 267 0550
Head of School: Ifat Sultana
Highcliffe Primary School
Greengate Lane, Birstall, Leicester LE4 3DL T: 0116 296 7600
Head of School: Simone Stewart
Riverside Primary School
Wanlip Lane, Birstall, Leicestershire, LE4 4JU T: 0116 210 7373
Executive Principal: Chelsea Williams
The Castle Rock School
Meadow Lane, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4BR T: 01530 834 368
Associate Principal: Roma Dhameja
The Newbridge School
Forest Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3SJ T: 01530 831 561
Co-Heads of School: Mike Gamble and Mick Rowbottom
Broom Leys Primary School
Broom Leys Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 4DB T: 01530 832 234
Headteacher: Robert Prior
Humphrey Perkins School
74-78 Cotes Road, Barrow upon Soar, Loughborough, LE12 8JU T: 01509 412385
Associate Principal: Della Bartram
Mercia Academy
Sunnyside, Newhall, Swadlincote, DE11 0TL T: 01283 216404
Principal: Jackie Cooper
Newhall Junior School
Chesterfield Avenue, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 0TR T: 01283 217472
Acting Head of School: Clare Weaver
BEAUCHAMP COLLEGE
LOOKING BACK AT
2023-24
Beauchamp College, the founding school of the Lionheart Educational Trust, is an ethnically diverse school serving students from Years 7 to 13, with excellent outcomes.
Awards & Achievements
• Over 25% of GCSE students achieved Grade 7 to 9 in both English and Maths.
• 37% of GCSE grades were 7 or above, surpassing the national average of 18.3%.
• Seven students achieved seven or more Grade 9s.
• Across the 35 courses undertaken by the school’s sixth form cohort, 99% of students passed, with 15 students achieving an A* average and 26% of students attaining an average grade of A and above.
• 256 students secured university places, with 83% achieving their first choice. Many accepted competitive places at Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group universities, where they will study subjects such as medicine, engineering and business.
• Beauchamp was once again awarded the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag for their environmental work.
• ‘Tease,’ the school’s Senior entry in this year’s Battle of the Bands competition finished in a commendable second place.
Key Headlines
• Beauchamp hosted the iconic BBC Radio 4 programme ‘Any Questions?’ where students, staff and members of the local community posed questions to politicians live on air.
• Year 8 students Andrea and Shanice – who won The Voice Kids in 2023 – released their debut single ‘Destiny’ in January, giving an exclusive performance to Beauchamp students in front of the ITV television cameras.
• Demonstrating incredible generosity, the school raised over £3,500 for local charities. They also supported food banks and assembled over 200 shoeboxes for a local homeless shelter.
• As part of Diversity Week, the school hosted its annual Beauchstock Culture Day celebrations, providing staff and students with an opportunity to promote diversity.
• The newly revamped sociology block was officially opened, creating a vibrant space for social science students.
School Trips and Visits
Approximately 1,980 Beauchamp students embarked on 56 school trips; 16 of which were residential. Among the most popular were:
• Geography expeditions to Iceland and Sicily, which provided students with firsthand experience of volcanic landscapes, glaciers and rich cultural history of the country.
• The Austria ski trip, with Year 12 students enjoying the opportunity to develop new skills and bond with their peers.
• Year 9’s trip to China, as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme. Beauchamp students joined learners from other schools for the largest international school trip of its kind, and they learned more about Chinese culture, practiced their Mandarin and deepened their global understanding.
Parent Quotes
“The teachers care and do their best to assist. My child has received some amazing support.”
“I feel there are good systems implemented for the children to success academically and socially.”
“There have been some great role models and teachers that my child has really respected and looked up to.”
“Supportive staff and a strong curriculum.”
“There is a drive for excellence and staff are dedicated.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Results Day 2024, ‘Any Questions?’ comes to Beauchamp, ‘The Wonder Twins’ perform debut single and a trip to China.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 BEAUCHAMP CITY SIXTH FORM
At the heart of Leicester city, the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ sixth form offers a traditional A-level curriculum delivered by enthusiastic subject specialists, helping students access competitive university courses and apprenticeships.
Awards & Achievements
• After collecting their A-level results, 25% of Year 13 students went on to study at a Russell Group University, with 16 students (3.3%) securing places at Oxbridge; nationally, this figure was around 1%.
• An impressive 36% of awarded A-level grades were either A or A*. This represented the sixth form’s strongest results since opening in 2020.
• Nearly 30% of all students excelled in the Department for Education’s measure of AAB, including at least two facilitating subjects.
• Across the year, student attendance was 96%; this was 5% higher than the national average.
• SEND students continued to make excellent progress, highlighting the effectiveness of the high-quality teaching at Beauchamp City.
• The sixth form was nominated – and subsequently shortlisted – for a Student Social Mobility Award by UpReach.
• Year 13 student Saamiyah was named a finalist for the Lord Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year. Meanwhile, fellow student Ronit received a Highly Commended award.
• A fantastic 346 Year 13 students achieved various levels of the Beauchamp City Citizen Award, rewarding their commitment, motivation and academic endeavour.
Key Headlines
• Following its first full Ofsted, inspection Beauchamp City was judged to be an ‘Outstanding’ sixth form. Inspectors praised staff’s “unwavering pursuit of academic excellence.”
• Students took part in and led a variety of diverse societies including faith-based groups, Economics and K-Pop.
• The school community came together to raise money and awareness for causes that included local food banks, Amnesty International and Save The Children. Staff also raised £500 for the charity Bliss, during their non-stop seven-hour cycling event.
• Students planted various flora at the sixth form’s inner-city campus, promoting the biodiversity of the area.
• Staff and students celebrated a range of faith events, including Navaratri and Eid, and organised their own Culture Day.
School Trips and Visits
• Students enjoyed day trips to both Cambridge and Oxford universities, as well as to University of Leicester’s chemistry department and Loughborough University for analytical and synthetic chemistry.
• The Law Society took part in a mock trial in the courtrooms at the University of Leicester.
• Professor Turi King delivered an inspiring talk about her DNA analysis that contributed the identification of King Richard III.
• Peter Cramp spoke to Economics students about product and labour markets, international economics, and financial markets.
• Students participated in a Leicestershire Debating Competition at WQE.
• Visits from University of Leicester personnel helped students prepare for the UCAT; an admissions test required for university courses in medicine and dentistry.
• Psychology students visited Twycross Zoo where they expanded upon their knowledge of behavioural theory.
• Students enjoyed a Junior Doctor webinar from Dr Maya Humphries.
• An IBM Hackathon tested Computer Science students’ programming skills.
• Geography students visited Iceland and Hunstanton to understand the tertiary globe and climate and to comb the beach for earth history.
• Many Year 12 students embarked on a ski trip to the slopes of Austria.
• English Literature students visited The Globe to watch Macbeth.
• A visit was made to the University of Sheffield as part of the Elephant Group Programme which supports vulnerable or disadvantaged students’ aspirations.
• Students took part in Oxbridge mock interviews at Uppingham School.
• The sixth form hosted an incredible Post-18 Careers Fair where they invited over 30 businesses and universities to allow students to network and plan their next steps.
• Students participated in an enriching Work Experience Week.
• To reward their hard work at the end of exams, Year 13 students enjoyed an end-of-year celebratory event at the King Power Stadium.
Pictured L to R: Mock legal case at University of Leicester and trip to Twycross Zoo.
Parent Quotes
"Exceptional teaching standards.”
“The encouragement given to my child to achieve the best outcomes.”
“It’s aspirational and holistic in its care of students. My son hasn’t always enjoyed school; this has inspired and motivated him.”
“Cooperative, helpful and professional staff.”
“The supportive community feel, my child has made lots of new friends.”
“State of the art facilities.”
“I love that they really want your child to excel. Great teaching standards.”
“My daughter feels happy at school. She is enjoying all her subjects and feels encouraged to learn more and do better. Facilities are brilliant and afterschool clubs are very interesting.”
“Supportive and welcoming of students from all backgrounds.”
Pictured L to R: Fundraising for Bliss and a visit from Professor Turi King.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 BROCKS HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL
A
primary school in Oadby, Leicestershire, dedicated to providing all pupils with excellent opportunities, preparing them for future success.
Awards & Achievements
• Key Stage 2 SATs results were significantly above the national average, with over half of the Year 6 cohort achieving Greater Depth in Reading, Writing, Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling and Maths.
• The pass rate for Year 1 pupils taking the Phonics screening was 92% (national average = 80%)
• At 95.3%, Brocks Hill’s whole school attendance was above the national primary average of 92.8%.
• The school was awarded the Platinum School Games Mark, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting physical activity.
• All Year 4 children achieved the Lionheart Character Award in 2023-24.
• Five teachers completed National Professional Qualifications: one in Early Years, one in Leading Literacy, one in Headship and two in Senior Leadership.
Key Headlines
• In October, Brocks Hill retained its ‘Outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted. Inspectors highlighted that “pupils get a fantastic deal at Brocks Hill,” they “receive a high-quality education” and “benefit from an incredibly rich programme of personal development.”
• Across the year, the school raised over £2000 for charities, including Children in Need, Red Nose Day, MIND and Médecins Sans Frontières.
• Pupils sampled an array of extracurricular activities, such as pickleball, tennis, football, basketball, taiko drumming and musical theatre.
• The school community marked a broad spectrum of awareness and religious days, including World Mental Health Day, National Dyslexia Day, Diabetes Awareness Week, Black History Month, Pride Month, Navaratri and Diwali.
• Children relished the opportunity to take part in Trust initiatives such as Lionheart Speaks, Pride and the Eco Rally. Find out more about these events from page 67 onwards.
• Brocks Hill continued to engage with the local community, seeing pupils visit a local care home, the library and places of worship, while also supporting food banks.
• Visits from the police, fire service, dentists and medical professionals helped pupils learn more about our public services and medical careers.
• At their first-ever aspirations day, parents came into school to speak about different careers and opportunities.
• Pupils took up leadership opportunities such as School Parliament, Eco Council and Wellbeing Ambassador.
• Two members of staff undertook a parenting course - Solihull Approach Trainingsuccessfully running the programme for groups of parents thereafter.
School Trips and Visits
• Children in Foundation Stage enjoyed trips to the library, church and farm park; they even travelled on a public bus.
• Year 1 had a fantastic day out at Twycross Zoo.
• As part of their topic on Castles, Year 2 visited Warwick Castle. They also developed their musical knowledge at De Montfort Hall.
• Year 3 pupils built upon their learning of life in Roman Britain at Bosworth Heritage Centre.
• Year 4 enjoyed trips to Bosworth Battlefield as part of their history topic and visited the local park, linked to their geography learning.
• Year 5 had a brilliant time on their residential trip to Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. Linking in with their space topic, pupils also toured the Space Centre in Leicester.
• Year 6 visited The Warning Zone, had fun on a World War Two day at Beaumanor Hall and enjoyed a post-SATs visit to the bowling alley and cinema.
• All children visited a place of worship.
Parent Quotes
“The great mix of cultures, religions and class makes for a great experience and openminded children. The teachers are all excellent and my kids are always happy to go to school.”
“The school has a great attitude to learning and wanting the kids to excel - the Ofsted report was fantastic. [It was great] to see that the school is keeping up its high standards.”
“The staff makes all the difference. They LOVE to teach, and from top to bottom of the whole school, everyone makes us feel welcome and if there is ever a concern, we feel heard too.”
“Its whole ethos to providing exceptional primary education.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Achieving the Lionheart Character Award, celebrating important faith days, Year 5 residential trip to Caythorpe Court and The School Parliament.
BROOM LEYS PRIMARY SCHOOL
LOOKING BACK AT
2023-24
Broom Leys is a large primary school serving east Coalville, offering nurture-based activities to help children grow, enjoy learning and achieve success.
Awards & Achievements
• In recognition of the school’s science education, Broom Leys was awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark.
• The school was once again awarded the Platinum School Games Mark, a testament to its strong PE curriculum and varied extracurricular activities. Broom Leys has held this accolade since 2016 and were the first school in Leicester or Leicestershire to receive it.
• Broom Leys was among the few schools in the county to receive the Gold Leicestershire Schools’ Music Quality Mark, celebrating its engaging music curriculum.
• The school’s Level 1 and Level 4 gymnastics teams won the North West Leicestershire competition, then representing the area at the county finals. The Level 4 team made it through to the national finals.
• The school’s swimming team won the district competition, progressing on to the county finals.
Key Headlines
• An Ofsted inspection in September 2023 saw the school retain its ‘Good’ rating, describing the school as “welcoming and caring,” with a “hive of activity,” where “the school is well led” and “staff morale is high.”
• A range of extracurricular activities for pupils included choir, chamber choir, theatre club, science club and, new for 2023-24, chess club.
• Pupils enjoyed opportunities to perform on stage. Foundation children put on a fantastic nativity, while the Year 6 production – I’m an 11-year-old, Get Me Out of Here! – was also well received.
• A summer musical concert saw pupils from all year groups play a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, drums, piano, keyboard, recorder, flute and clarinet.
• Year 3 showcased their talents in a recorder-themed concert performance – they were joined on stage by the Leicester Recorder Ensemble.
• The school engaged with the local community, participating in carol services and attending fortnightly assemblies from St. David’s Church. Pupils also visited Coalville Community Hospital and entertained residents at a local residential care home.
• Working alongside the National Forest, Year 5 children had fun participating in a tilemaking project which closely linked to their History unit on William Whetstone.
• Enthusiastic visitors regularly delivered assemblies throughout the year; examples included Severn Trent Water and Police Community Support Officers. Peter Barrat – the great-grandson of local suffragette Alice Hawkins – spoke to Year 6 about the Suffragette Movement.
School Trips and Visits
• Three year groups embarked on residential visits. Year 6 spent a week at Boreatton Park in Shropshire, Year 4 had a three-day stay at Beaumanor Hall, while Year 3 spent two days at Gulliver’s Valley.
• As part of a new collaboration with Amazon, pupils from Year 5 and 6 travelled to the local distribution centre to take part in interactive activities and learn more about how it operates.
• EYFS and Year 1 pupils went to the cinema as part of the IntoFilm Festival.
• Year 6 visited the newly refurbished Snibston Colliery tour for their topic on local history.
• Other destinations included Warner Brothers Studios, a church, a farm, Twycross Zoo, Leicester Museum and an Art Gallery.
Parent Quotes
“The school has always had a great reputation and I have recommend it to friends. The staff are welcoming and committed to the children.”
“The curriculum is great, and it's lovely to be able to talk to my children about their learning with the knowledge shared through Dojo and emails.”
“My daughter loves school. I feel happy knowing she is looked after and educated. Her confidence has grown and she comes home happy. She is encouraged to perform to the best of her abilities and I love hearing about her day.”
“The school’s leadership is outstanding.”
“It always has a great feel around the playground and we look forward to parents evening as the teachers clearly know our children well.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Swimming success, Amazon trip, gymnastics champions and creating the scientists of tomorrow. Gymnastics champions and creating the
THE CASTLE ROCK SCHOOL LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24
An inclusive 11 to 18 school in Coalville that encourages students to excel via a broad curriculum with enriching activities.
Awards & Achievements
• On receiving A-level results, 70% of sixth form students accepted places at university; a 24% increase from the previous year.
• Sixth form leavers went on to study at prestigious institutions such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Nottingham.
• GCSE outcomes for Year 11 students improved in comparison to the previous year, with a huge increase in percentage of students receiving Grades 9-5 in both English and Maths.
• Around £700 was raised through various charity initiatives, including Christmas Jumper Day.
• The Year 7 Boys’ Football Team won the County Championship, playing the final at Leicester City’s Seagrave Training Ground.
• The girls’ teams enjoyed similar success, with the Year 10 Futsal team reaching a final and the Year 8/9 football team reaching a semi-final.
• In the first Lionheart Dodgeball Competition, the Year 10 boys won their category.
• Student Millie was awarded second place in the Inters Category at the Lionheart LET’s Dance Competition, while Maycee finished first in the Seniors section.
• The school’s Year 9 team finished second in an area indoor athletics competition.
Key Headlines
• Caterpillar, who delivered several careers talks at the school, also invited students on site both to learn more about working with their outdoor equipment and roles at their officesl.
• In July, staff and students celebrated Culture Day, taking part in a variety of activities that strengthened their understanding and appreciation of diversity.
• Students performed Christmas carols at a local care home in December and hosted a three-night Christmas concert based on Sister Act which was a tremendous success.
• Following £250,000 worth of investment, Year 12 and 13 enjoyed using the newly refurbished sixth form space, with a silent study area, a kitchen, dining space, a reading corner and an IT suite.
• Sixth form students were excellent mentors for younger students, running a Crochet Club in the library for over 30 regular attendees. Elsewhere, a new extracurricular club –Dungeons and Dragons – proved extremely popular.
• Castle Rock students enjoyed taking part in the Young Enterprise scheme.
School Trips and Visits
• The History Department took nearly 50 students to Rome in October and the Languages team took students to France, where they visited iconic landmarks such as the Bayeux Tapestry.
• Around 30 students visited Loughborough University, where they learned more about studying Criminology at Degree-level.
Parent Quotes
“We're really happy with how [our daughter] has settled into the school and delighted with her progress.”
“The SEND support and support plan in place is good.”
“Castle Rock has some fantastic teachers, I know this because one of my children spoke highly of most of the teachers in the school when they were there.”
“I like the changes and positivity that the new leadership team has instilled in the school. I like the range of extracurricular activities available.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: County Football Champions, a trip to Rome, partnership with Caterpillar and LET’s Dance Competition.
THE CEDARS ACADEMY
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24
An 11 to 18 school in Birstall, Leicestershire, The Cedars Academy prides itself on a culture of high aspiration and hard work, where pupils are kind and take responsibility.
Awards & Achievements
• The school’s Science Department achieved record results, with Biology, Chemistry and Physics Subject Progress Index (SPI) scores at +0.74, +0.65 and +1.09 respectively.
• Pupils studying Design and Technology, Sports Studies and Statistics all performed strongly, acquiring SPI scores of +1.03, +1.47 and 1.54 respectively.
• The GCSE Progress 8 score for boys was 0.12 above the national average.
• Cedars Martin Sixth Form achieved excellent results; Value Added (VA) for Level Three courses was +0.27 and for academic courses it was +0.51, with a grade B average.
• A-level Biology, Physics and English Literature all had a VA exceeding +0.9.
• 20 pupils completed The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme; 18 achieved Bronze and two earned Silver (see more on page 71).
• The Year 9 and 10 boys’ team won the Inter category at the Lionheart Games athletics competition.
• Eight Year 10 and 11 pupils participated in the silver CREST awards. They spent 30 hours working on a variety of STEM projects, including making board games and redesigning pizza boxes.
• A group of Year 10 pupils took part in The Scholars Programme, aimed at getting more young people to consider attending university. Led by a PhD student, they attended six engaging tutorials on Atherosclerosis.
• The school took two Year 10 teams to Maths Feast, an inter-school maths competition designed to challenge talented mathematicians. Both teams achieved the top score in individual rounds.
Key Headlines
• A new, state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch was opened on site.
• Staff and pupils supported several charitable causes; donating food boxes to the Birstall Foodbank and raising over £850 for Doctors Without Borders.
• The Performing Arts Department held a fantastic showcase of talent in July. Supporting LOROS’ The Great Wall of China Trek fundraising event, they were able to donate £1,185.
• Lionheart Radio – a Trust-wide internet radio station – was launched from The Cedars Academy and broadcast content from students across the Trust.
• The school undertook extensive work in promoting careers; they held two Careers Fairs; Year 10s visited the National Careers Fair in Birmingham and pupils also took part in a work experience scheme.
• Staff, pupils and community members celebrated Culture Day in June. A cultural dance showcase was held in The Palmer Tomkinson Theatre and 40 pupils took part in a fashion show.
• Cedarsfest 2023 was a huge success, as students celebrated the end of the academic year, and their hard work, in style. There was live music, fairground rides and a range of other exciting activities.
School Trips and Visits
• Year 7 pupils enjoyed a trip to the Outdoor Pursuit Centre, strengthening their teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• 53 Art, Design Technology and Construction pupils visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to examine famous sculptures.
• Members of the school choir took part in a singing workshop at De Montfort University, performing alongside other schools.
• 12 Year 8 pupils enjoyed a fascinating computer science-themed event at Nottingham Trent University where they learned more about Higher Education.
• Talented musicians from Year 7 through to Year 10 visited the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. Working with five other schools they took part in a recording session where they played a collection of songs from different genres.
• Quantum Theatre performed A Christmas Carol for Years 10 and 11, helping them prepare for their GCSE English exams.
• 28 pupils embarked on a history trip to Berlin, exploring key historical sites, including the Berlin Wall and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.
Parent Quotes
“The teachers are really kind, compassionate, understanding and reasonable. You can tell that they really want to understand the different needs of pupils and help them to achieve what is possible for them.”
“The learning support team have been excellent at supporting my son over the years and have also given him opportunities to explore possible career choices.”
“My child speaks positively about her school life and experiences.”
“My son absolutely loves the music lessons and extracurricular activities surrounding music.”
Pictured L to R: Culture Day, Lionheart Games winners, Fundraising for LOROS and Supporting the Birstall Foodbank with Christmas donations
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 HALLAM FIELDS PRIMARY
A
single-form entry primary school in Birstall, Leicestershire, providing an engaging and rich curriculum centred around personal development.
Awards & Achievements
• Having opened in 2017 with only an EYFS class, 2024 saw the school’s first cohort ‘graduate’ as they completed Year 6, achieving outstanding Key Stage 2 SATs results. Pupils exceeded the national average for Reading, Writing, Spelling/Grammar/ Punctuation and Maths.
• Following the launch of the new music curriculum – in which pupils were given the opportunity to learn the clarinet, trumpet, piano, guitar or drums – the school was awarded the Music Mark.
• The school achieved the Eco Schools Green Flag with Distinction, with feedback that noted how Hallam Fields “empower young people with the knowledge they need to confidently discuss and address ecological issues.”
• At 95.6%, the whole-school attendance for the year was above the national average.
• A Year 2 pupil was crowned the national Key Stage One winner in the Young Tree Champion’s Speaking Up for Trees and Nature Competition, performing her winning speech to a live audience.
• Another pupil climbed Mount Snowdon with family and friends. They raised an incredible £4100 for the charity Mental Health Awareness.
• Pupils generously donated money to several worthwhile causes: £147 was raised for Hello Yellow, £115 for Children in Need and £119 for Red Nose Day. One pupil also raised £104.32 for The Little Princess Trust by selling ice lollies at school.
Key Headlines
• In May 2024, Ofsted judged the school to be ‘Good,’ with Inspectors describing the school as “highly inclusive” and noted that the behaviour of pupils was “exceptional.” Of five judgement areas, Inspectors awarded the ‘Outstanding’ grade to three.
• Following a successful application to Leicester City Council, pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 planted a new hedgerow as part of an urban wildlife project.
• The school showcased pupil work by hosting exhibitions for Design Technology, Science and Art across the year and showcased music skills through Drumming and Piano performances.
• Children enjoyed participating in afterschool initiatives, including Skipping Club, Choir Club and Reading Book Club.
• A whole-school collaborative sculpture – which was constructed from recycled plastic bottles – was displayed at the Lionheart Eco Rally in June.
• Taking part in the ‘Less Litter for Leicester’ campaign, Hallam Fields collected over 25kg worth of waste.
• The school continued to showcase its strong commitment to sport by providing pupils with the opportunity to take part in a range of extracurricular events, including quick sticks hockey, netball, tennis, tri-golf and cricket. Children also participated in multi-sports and multi-skills festivals.
• Year 5 pupils took to the stage at The Y Theatre in June, delivering speeches on poverty and water pollution as part of the annual Lionheart Speaks event. Find out more about this event on page 67.
• Important awareness days and religious festivals were marked, with pupils engaging in activities for World Mental Health Day, National Science Week, Anti-Bullying Week, World Autism Acceptance Week, LGBT+ Month, Black History Month, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Eid, Christmas and Vaisakhi.
• At Christmas, the school community generously supplied the Birstall Foodbank with food parcel donations.
• Staff members undertook professional qualifications to expand their skillset. The Assistant Headteacher enrolled on an NPQSL course and a Year 6 teacher an NPQLL course.
School Trips and Visits
Pupils enjoyed a variety of educational and leisure outings, all designed to heighten their understanding of the world and expand upon their classroom learning.
• EYFS children learned more about The Gruffalo at Beaumanor Hall.
• Year 1 took part in a Sports Rally.
• Year 2 visited a Gurdwara to learn more about local places of worship.
• As part of their Lionheart Character Award, Year 3 pupils visited Cedars Mews Care Home, where they played board games with residents.
• Year 3s enjoyed interviewing author Marie Basting about her new book My Family and Other Romans, which linked in with their History topic.
• Year 4 children visited a Mandir which aligned with the topics covered in RE lessons. They also participated in the Big Singing Event Choral Spectacular at De Montfort Hall.
• Year 5 and 6 travelled to Curve Theatre, where they watched a live performance of The Boy at the Back of the Class.
• Year 6 enjoyed a thrilling residential trip to The Pioneers Activity Centre in Shropshire and later in the year attended a careers fair to learn about a range of job types.
• Other trips enjoyed by pupils across year groups included to The Space Centre, Tamworth Castle, Bosworth Battlefield, The Attenborough Arboretum, Tri Beadles Golf Course, The Warning Zone, New Walk Museum, Leicester Central Mosque and the synagogue.
• Hallam Fields opened its doors to many visitors across the year, including the local vicar, The Dog’s Trust, Birstall Library, Birstall Foodbank, a nurse, a police officer and even Santa Claus!
• Local author Steve Skidmore visited the school on World Book Day, hosting a workshop in which he taught the pupils how to write like an author.
Parent Quotes
“The care and support they give the children is amazing. Staff really look after the children and the teaching staff so far have been so thoughtful and helpful.”
“There is a welcoming environment and kind and compassionate teaching staff.”
“You can tell they care for and really want to support the children.”
“Both of my children speak highly of the school and love attending.
“I like that the school is safe, small and excellent on diversity.”
“I like everything. I feel the staff are amazing. The school is such a lovely place, thank you! My son is lucky to have so much help and support.”
“The close-knit connection with both staff and parents. Everyone is approachable.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Young Tree Champion, a trip to the Attenborough Arboretum, Year 4 performing at De Montfort Hall and The Pioneers Centre.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Highcliffe Primary School, with Urban Forest School status, fosters positive pupil attitudes and self-expression as core elements of its school culture.
Awards & Achievements
• Results for Key Stage 2 SATs were above the national average for both Reading and Writing.
• 80% of Year 4 pupils scored 20+ on the statutory Multiplication Tables Check test. This exceeded the national average of 63.7%.
• At 96.4%, pupil attendance at Highcliffe was among the top 20% of schools nationally.
• The school was awarded the Green Flag from Eco-Schools.
• The Girls Football Team won the Wreake Valley League.
• All Year 4 pupils achieved the Lionheart Character Award, which promotes leadership, learning, adventure and exploration.
Key Headlines
• In association with Football and Fitness, Highcliffe strengthened its lunchtime and after school provision, where pupils were able to enjoy dodgeball, gymnastics, football and multi-sports.
• The school hosted fundraising events for Children in Need, the Poppy Appeal and Red Nose Day. Year 3 pupils also raised £185 for local charity Action Homeless by hosting a jumble sale.
• Across the year, Highcliffe acknowledged religious festivals and awareness campaigns, including Navaratri, World Mental Health Day, Black History Month, Dyslexia Awareness Month, Pride Month and School Sports Week.
• The school invested in new resources and equipment to support pupils’ learning; new artificial turf was added to areas of the school site and a new set of laptops were introduced across classes.
• Pupils and parents supported the local foodbank with donations and pupils visited the centre to see their incredible work.
• Musical activities were well attended, with pupils participating in African drumming, choir, piano and Rocksteady.
• Working together with the school’s PTA, funds raised were reinvested to purchase Year 6 leavers hoodies, new reading books, a Times Tables Rock Stars subscription and new equipment for the forest school.
• Parent Workshops – focusing on Reading, Maths and Phonics – and Stay-and-Learn sessions were well-attended.
• Community volunteers supported the school with the Embankment project and one-toone reading sessions.
School Trips and Visits
• As part of their nature topic, EYFS pupils handled a range of live minibeasts.
• Year 2 visited Tamworth Castle to expand upon their knowledge of the history curriculum.
• Year 3 had fun dressing up on ‘Viking Day,’ immersing themselves in their culture as part of their history topic.
• Year 4 visited Bosworth Battlefield.
• Strengthening their understanding of planets and the solar system, Year 5 pupils enjoyed a trip to The National Space Centre.
• Year 6 visited The Warning Zone, The Pioneer Activity Centre and had fun on a week-long residential to Beaumanor Hall.
• Visitors came into school to speak to the children, including; a vicar who delivered an assembly about religious festivals, a scientist who spoke about her work, and all pupils attended workshops on water safety and dog safety.
Parent Quotes
“My daughter always enjoys going to school; she is well looked after and the staff are caring and supportive.”
“As a parent of a SEND child, I like that the teachers and staff listen when we raise concerns and suggest things that might help my child’s comfort at school.”
“It’s a nice little school with a close-knit friendly community.”
“I think it’s brilliant that the children are able to access wellbeing groups for support.”
“Friendly atmosphere, brilliant teachers and my children are happy there.”
“Staff are friendly, kind and helpful. This includes the reception staff, dinner ladies, cleaning and grounds staff.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Swimming success, Amazon trip, gymnastics champions and creating the scientists of tomorrow.
The Warning Zone, a fun week at the Pioneer Activity Centre, World Book Day and enriching school visits.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 HUMPHREY PERKINS SCHOOL
Humphrey Perkins, an 11 to 16 school in Barrow upon Soar, is a small school with a big ambition, proud of their relentless focus on high standards of academic and personal achievement.
Awards & Achievements
• In July, the school was awarded the local authority’s Beyond Bullying Award at Gold Level; the only secondary school in Leicestershire to have done so.
• Across the year, the school community raised £4,800 for charities including the Poppy Appeal, Children in Need, Comic Relief and the Little Princess Trust.
• As a result of the school’s relentless focus on improving outcomes, the Progress 8 score for Pupil Premium (PP) students improved by +0.46 of a grade and attainment by +0.47 of a grade, compared to the previous year.
• PP students achieving Grade 9-4 in English and Maths improved by 13% and the PP students achieving 5 standard passes including English and Maths improved by 12.1%.
• The PE Department secured record Sports Studies results with 50% of the students achieving either a Level 2 Distinction or a Level 2 Distinction Star and an overall SPI of 1.43.
• For the second consecutive year, the school won the Trust-wide Battle of the Bands competition.
• A group of Year 10 students took part in the Mentors in Violence Prevention programme, encouraging Year 7s to be upstanders and challenge bad behaviour.
• The school participated in a range of sporting events organised by South Charnwood, including football, futsal, netball, badminton, cricket and athletics. The teams enjoyed significant success, qualifying for the Leicestershire and Rutland School Indoor Athletics Finals.
• In partnership with the University of Leicester, Year 9 History students took part in a Social Justice Plaque project. They nominated Leicester-based journalist Clare Hollingsworth and were awarded a blue plaque.
Key Headlines
• The school staged a fantastic four-night production of Beauty and the Beast Jr, which was watched by over 500 people.
• Two of the school’s choirs took part in the Musical Theatre Massed Choir Concert as part of the Leicestershire Music Hub Sing Festivals.
• On World Mental Health Day, the school supported Hello Yellow; a campaign designed to support children and teenage mental health.
• BBC staff ran interactive careers sessions with Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.
• Acclaimed local author, Bali Rai, gave an inspiring talk to Year 7 and 8 students.
• Susie McKenna – a renowned actress, writer and theatre director – delivered a talk to Year 10s, encouraging them to be aspirational and to set goals for their future selves.
• Over 100 students attended the first Lionheart Eco Rally, while four more took part in the Lionheart Speaks event at The Y Theatre. Read more about these events from page 67 onwards.
• Speakers from The Leicester Space Centre visited Year 9 students to educate them further about careers in this field.
School Trips and Visits
• Year 7 students attended a singing workshop run by Leicestershire Music Hub, as well as Sing Up at De Montfort University.
• A group of Year 7 students met a member of the House of Lords to find out more about how democracy works.
• A group of Year 8 students spent a day at Leicester Racecourse where they learnt all about the practical application of Maths.
• Year 8 students visited Leicester University, attending lectures and seminars based around the 19th Century, which they studied in their school English lessons.
• A group of Year 9 students visited the Space Centre, visiting both public and backstage areas, and then presenting their ideas for a space-themed event.
• Year 9 students had a workplace experience at the Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester.
• Students in Year 9 visited Calke Abbey: they toured the house and gardens and worked with members of staff to solve a workplace problem.
• Year 10 students visited the University of Leicester to find out about studying Medicine, Genetics and Pharmacy degrees.
• Year 10 students were taken to the Galleries of Justice to experience real life aspects of the GCSE History course.
• Year 10 OCR PE students tried out a range of sports at the Outdoor Pursuits Centre.
• To support the understanding of their GCSE English Literature text, Year 10 and 11 students visited Nottingham Theatre Royal to watch a performance of A Christmas Carol.
• Year 10 and 11 students visited Loughborough College and participated in Biology and Chemistry experiments, as part of an A-level science taster.
• Year 11 Geography GCSE students enjoyed a visit to Birmingham, completing fieldwork about sustainability and quality of life in urban areas.
• Year 11 Travel and Tourism students visited East Midlands Airport.
• The Music Department took a group of musicians to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where they rehearsed, recorded, composed a song and had a tour around the College.
Parent Quotes
“Teachers know my child and provide a friendly and encouraging approach in parents’ evenings.”
“Staff that go the extra mile and support the school productions and music performance events.”
“My daughter is happy to attend school. She has been encouraged to join in additional activities such as MVP.”
“The school has actively encouraged my son to push his learning more, seeing potential and supporting growth. The teachers also have been great in supporting their band, and the encouragement they give and access to facilities is great.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Battle of the Bands winners, Beauty and the Beast Jr, supporting Children in Need and Remembrance Day.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 JUDGEMEADOW
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Asuccessful 11 to 16 school in Evington, Leicester, with a proud history of serving a diverse community in the local area and wider city. They foster a vibrant, engaging and caring environment where students thrive.
Awards & Achievements
• On GCSE Results Day, 54.1% of students achieved a Grade 9 to 5 in both English and Mathematics. Additionally, 51.3% achieved a Grade 9 to 5 average across all subjects studied; this was 6.4% above the national average.
• 29% of the cohort achieved a strong pass in the EBacc.
• During Ramadan, Judgemeadow hosted its first Interfaith Iftar Dinner. They invited representatives from all communities to the evening, where students delivered an inspiring presentation on interfaith and intercommunity dialogue.
• To mark Clean Air Day, students transformed a local street into a vibrant hub of activity, engaging in street art, outdoor games, a science scavenger hunt and ukulele classes hosted by Leicestershire Music.
• The Judgemeadow Podcast Team hosted two primetime shows live on Radio Ramadan FM which were listened to by 15,000 people.
• Working with Islamic Relief, the school hosted a brilliant Fun Day for the local community in September. Together, they raised funds to support the Morocco Earthquake Appeal.
• The school hosted a ‘Winter Show’ and, to conclude the year, ‘The Big Show’ returned, giving students opportunities to dazzle the audience with cultural singing and stellar dance performances.
Key Headlines
• Over £5,000 was raised for a number of charities, including the Gaza Save the Children fund, Read for Good Collection and Morocco Earthquake Appeal.
• The Eco Club organised community litter-picks, fundraising activities, and awareness-raising events, making a positive impact on both the school and the wider community.
• The school hosted its third annual Culture Day, uniting the school community and celebrating its rich history of diversity.
• Following student elections, Judgemeadow appointed Student Council Representatives, giving young people a strong voice in school matters.
• Throughout the year, more than 1,000 students participated in at least one extracurricular activity, including Lego club, girls’ fitness, music ensembles, football, art, STEM and homework clubs.
• The ‘Being an Upstander’ programme trained students to support their peers and promote the values of kindness and respect.
• Judgemeadow engaged in numerous religious and awareness days. They hosted a special lunch for Diwali, sold poppies to support the Royal British Legion for Remembrance Day and brought literature to life by dressing up as iconic characters for World Book Day.
• To encourage students to strive for success, Judgemeadow introduced the Push for Positive initiative which rewarded students who achieved well. Those who upheld the school’s values enjoyed pizza parties and were visited by an ice-cream van.
• Students took part in an East Leicester athletics tournament, competing in track and field events against other schools.
School Trips and Visits
Trips:
• Year 7 students had fun attending a team-building trip to Conkers, where they engaged in canoeing, bushcraft and rope obstacle courses.
• 30 Year 9 and Year 10 students jetted off to Sicily in Italy as part of a Geography trip. They explored a live volcano and toured Mount Etna.
• As a reward trip, a group of students enjoyed breakfast at the Royal Courts of Justice in London and embarked on a tour of Parliament and Westminster.
• Key Stage 4 science students visited CERN in Switzerland where they learned more about many groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
• Students attended an Aerospace Careers Event, meeting industry experts and getting the opportunity to use some of the equipment designed for space travel.
• Drama and Design students ventured to Warner Bros Studios, where they delved into the technical brilliance behind the Harry Potter films.
• Year 7 students attended National Numeracy at the University of Nottingham.
• Skill Supply visited the school to run a design technology workshop, where students got creative and built model hydraulic car lifts.
• Geography students took part in a field trip to Hope Valley, where they visited Peak Cavern, learning about the area's natural history and formations. They also ventured to Hunstanton to study coastal erosion.
• A group of students had a fantastic time at Nottingham Royal Theatre, where they watched Awful Auntie by David Walliams.
• Students enjoyed a full tour of Twickenham Rugby Stadium, including an exclusive look behind the scenes.
• Girls from Judgemeadow attended a STEM Computer Science event at Nottingham Trent University, where they participated in workshops on game development, virtual reality and robotics.
• Languages students took a memorable trip to Paris, where they explored the city, learned about French culture and history, and topped it off with a visit to EuroDisney.
Workshops:
• Actor and Playwright Charlie Dupre led a creative workshop on script writing, creative writing and Shakespeare.
• Accounting firm Grant Thornton and Charnwood Discovery both led captivating careers workshops on business and medicine respectively.
• Students enjoyed careers workshops including, ‘What’s My Job?’, mock interviews and a speed networking event.
• University Hospital Leicester’s lead chefs ran a workshop for Food Technology students, giving them an insight into how nutritious meals are prepared for patients.
• The Royal Navy hosted a rocket-building workshop, providing an insight into engineering and science.
• Students took part in workshops run by Medical Mavericks, where they explored various careers in medicine through engaging, hands-on presentations.
• DJ Kidd, a prominent name in the music industry, led an exciting DJ workshop, introducing the art of turntablism.
• Local dhol players taught students the art of playing the dhol drum through a lively workshop that prepared students for unforgettable performances on Culture Day and at school shows.
Parent Quotes
“I am very happy with all aspects of the school. I’m very grateful to all of the teachers.”
“My children are very happy to attend Judgemeadow Community College and I have always had a prompt reply from members of staff when I have contacted them with any queries.”
“Staff are approachable and quick to respond and resolve any issues presented. My daughter is given regular feedback to help improve.”
“There is a strong Senior Leadership Team. My child has improved massively since moving to Judgemeadow.”
“The building is always very clean and well presented.”
“Teachers have a good relationship with parents and offer support as and when needed.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Creative workshop, Culture Day, Clean Air Day and a trip to Paris.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL
Avibrant, community-focused secondary school in Anstey, Leicestershire, dedicated to supporting every learner through a broad and balanced curriculum, as well as a range of enrichment activities.
Awards & Achievements
• The Key Stage 4 Girls’ Football team was crowned County Champions in May, in the final at Leicester City’s Seagrave Training Ground.
• GCSE attainment increased from the previous academic year, with 102 learners achieving at least one Grade 8 or Grade 9.
• All students who undertook musical exams successfully passed, achieving grades ranging from 1 to 5.
• Martin High was recognised as one of the Football Association’s ‘Let Girls Play’ winners, collecting their trophy at the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley.
• 14 students graduated from The Brilliant Club, where they were able to take part in a variety of university-led workshops.
• The school’s Eco Club secured a local council grant to develop their forest school to benefit all learners.
• 15 learners achieved the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; 13 were awarded Bronze and two Silver. For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, go to page 71
• Student attendance was above the national average.
• The school was awarded funding from Anstey Parish Council to refurbish tennis courts and to purchase tennis equipment.
Key Headlines
• In April, Ofsted identified Martin High as a ‘Good’ school in all four categories, noting that “pupils are happy to attend” and the curriculum is “broad and ambitious.”
• A collection of staff undertook National Professional Qualifications and all staff members also received trauma training to support learners.
• For Sport Relief, staff and learners took part in a 24-hour basketball match, raising £1,600.
• The annual whole school sponsored walk saw staff and students walk from the school to Bradgate Park and back.
• Learners enjoyed staring in a variety of performing arts shows, including a December production of The Wizard of Oz and a Summer Solstice showcase.
• Preparing their young people for the future, Martin High hosted fantastic careers events that included a post-16 careers fair, work experience days and they welcomed BBC Bitesize into school to host a workshop.
• 93% of students attended at least one extracurricular activity throughout the year, including STEM Club, Eco Club and a mixture of sports and music clubs.
• In the Summer Term, the school held study skills workshops, where they shared effective revision tips.
• Forming positive links with the community, Martin High continued to work alongside local primary schools this year, hosting a range of competitions and events to support the development of younger pupils.
• Key Stage 3 learners took part in a whole-school takeover day, where they shadowed various staff members and learned more about their respective roles.
School Trips and Visits
• 50 Year 10 learners visited Iceland to strengthen their understanding of rivers, waterfalls, volcanoes and tectonic plates.
• History students travelled to Berlin in Germany, visiting the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum, the Berlin Wall and witnessing the Festival of Lights at the Brandenburg Gate.
Parent Quotes
“The pastoral care has been excellent and helped my child to build their confidence.”
“Staff are approachable and care about the education and outcomes for the children.”
“I think the hub is a valuable and well-needed part of the school and I often mention it to other parents of pupils or prospective pupils.”
“The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering great learning opportunities.”
“There are a variety of clubs and other extracurricular activities.”
“I like that we are kept informed about the work our children are doing.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Iceland trip, County Football Champions, Let Girls Play award winners and a visit from BBC Bitesize.
THE NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24
The Newbridge School is an 11 to 16 school in Coalville that offers an educational experience aimed at helping students discover and maximise their strengths and talents.
Awards & Achievements
• GCSE outcomes for Year 11 students improved for the second year running.
• Progress 8 and the average grade increased, while the gaps in achievement between pupil premium and non-pupil premium students narrowed.
• The Key Stage 3 Girls' Badminton Team was named Secondary School Team of the Year at the North West Leicestershire Let’s Get Moving Awards. The Boys' team was also highly commended at the same ceremony.
• Several Year 7 and 8 students took part in The Brilliant Club, an initiative designed to support those with university aspirations, and attended a graduation event at the University of Sheffield.
• The school raised over £700 for a variety of charities, including Comic Relief and the Poppy Appeal. Additionally, over £200 and 200kg of food was donated to the local Coalville Food Bank.
• Year 9 Sports Leaders completed their sports leadership qualification and hosted coaching sessions at neighbouring primary schools.
• Year 10 student Phoebe finished first at the Lionheart LET’s Dance competition. Meanwhile, Jess and Eden won the Juniors category at the Lionheart Battle of the Bands.
• The catering team achieved a Level 5 in their Food Hygiene Inspection – the highest possible rating.
Key Headlines
• Newbridge hosted its first Culture Day, allowing members of the school community to unite and celebrate diversity.
• Students shone in the school’s annual pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. A vibrant Art Showcase was also hosted in the Summer Term.
• Several members of staff successfully undertook National Professional Qualifications. Four completed the Headship qualification, two completed Leading and Teaching and two completed Leading Behaviour and Culture.
• The school’s careers fair was well-attended, with over 20 employers and colleges providing students with an insight into various career paths.
• Nearly 30 co-curricular clubs were launched, including Debate Society, Dodgeball, Street Art and Mindfulness Club, giving students an opportunity to explore passions outside of the classroom.
• Providing students with the opportunity to learn more about the world around them, Newbridge recognised several key events throughout the year, including Black History Month, Pride Month, Windrush Day and International Women’s/Men’s Day.
School Trips and Visits
• As part of the school’s transition process, the new Year 7 students enjoyed two days at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre, where they were able to make new friends and develop their teamwork and communication skills.
• In February, 38 students enjoyed attending a ski trip to the Italian Alps.
• Several Year 7 and Year 8 students visited a local university, to explore future career options and learn more about higher education.
• Year 10 learners enjoyed watching a French theatre production of Le Cours d’Art by Onatti Productions on a visit to The Cedars Academy.
• Key Stage 4 students enjoyed a variety of trips to expand on their classroom learning. Year 11s visited Bletchley Park as part of a Computer Science Trip, GCSE Citizenship students visited The Roal Courts of Justice, the Old Bailey and the Houses of Parliament, and Religious Studies students attended a conference at Coventry Cathedral.
Parent Quotes
“I’m very happy with this school. The staff and teachers are very nice and supportive. They really care and truly want the best for my child.”
“My son enjoys his time in school and learning new things each and every day.”
“The pastoral support my child receives from staff, including the counsellor and the nurses is well beyond expectation and we’re very grateful.”
“There is good choice of after school clubs, good leadership team and pastoral staff.”
“There is plenty of communication sent from school regarding reports, homework and activities.”
“The school is very welcoming. It’s a beautiful school.”
“The staff are friendly and I do see my child making good progress.”
Pictured L to R: Culture Day, ski trip, winners at the North West Leicestershire Let’s Get Moving Awards and Street Art co-curricular club.
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24 RIVERSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Avibrant primary school in Birstall, Riverside offers a broad and enriching curriculum, while encouraging ambition and self-belief in every pupil.
Awards & Achievements
• The number of pupils who achieved Greater Depth in Reading (34%) and Maths (31%) was above the national average.
• In July, Year 2 teacher Mr Green received a Heart Award in recognition for his outstanding work to promote PE at Riverside.
• The school was awarded the Green Flag with Merit from Eco-Schools.
• Throughout the year, the Eco-Warrior Team worked tirelessly on projects such as litterpicking, building bug hotels, improving the garden and pond area, planting new trees and conducting weekly walks around the school to identify ways to save energy.
• All Year 4 pupils successfully achieved the Lionheart Character Award.
Key Headlines
• Riverside supported numerous charities over the year, raising over £1,000 for the Royal British Legion, Comic Relief, Children in Need and many more.
• The school actively engaged with the local community, donating unwanted gift items to Birstall BAGS, a local breast cancer awareness group, and supplying food parcels to the Birstall Foodbank.
• Pupils celebrated awareness days throughout the year, including Anti-Bullying Week, Wellbeing Week, World Autism Acceptance Week, Diabetes Awareness Day, British Science Week, LGBTQ+ Month and Black History Month.
• Extracurricular initiatives were popular; pupils had fun participating in rock steady, football, tennis, dodgeball, choir, dance and science clubs.
• Forging purposeful links with the local community, Riverside hosted Coffee Mornings and organised a Year 6 careers event.
• Across the year, the school held open classroom events, allowing parents to gain a better understanding of what their children were learning and how they could support at home.
• A brand-new, purpose-built library was opened at the end of the academic year, thanks to contributions from the Riverside PTA.
School Trips and Visits
Pupils from EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 enjoyed a variety of educational and leisure outings, including trips to:
• The Pioneers Activity Centre
• National Space Centre
• Tamworth Castle
• Bosworth Battlefield
• The Warning Zone
• Manor Farm
Alongside these visits, children competed in football tournaments, tennis competitions, crosscountry races and enjoyed events hosted by school visitors, including a fire safety workshop and a theatre performance.
Parent Quotes
“All of my four children have attended Riverside Primary and all have excelled.”
“I really appreciate the teachers and all the staff working at the school. They are all very helpful and welcoming.”
“There is a wide variety of topics and resources, a commitment to cultural activities and school trips to enrich the children's learning.”
“My child enjoys her time at school and comes home telling me all about her day.”
“There is a friendly atmosphere amongst staff, even the Head who is often seen in the mornings on drop off in the playgrounds.”
“Teachers and staff are fantastic.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Mr Green receives Heart Award, Film night at Pioneers, fire safety workshop and exciting extracurricular activities.
SIR JONATHAN NORTH GIRLS' COLLEGE
LOOKING BACK AT 2023-24
Sir Jonathan North, the only multi-faith all-girls state school in Leicestershire, educates girls from Knighton and surrounding areas, as well as from across the county. It offers a rich, broad and balanced curriculum alongside expert teaching that achieves excellent academic outcomes from students.
Awards & Achievements
• The school achieved its best-ever Progress 8 score of +0.58. This was also the third year in a row in which this score had increased.
• Over a quarter (28%) of Year 11 students achieved a Grade 7 or above in both Maths and English.
• 90% of the cohort were entered for the EBacc and achieved an average points score of 5.15, well above the national average.
• The school received the Inclusive School Award with flagship status from Inclusion Quality Mark.
• The school’s commitment to promoting environmental conservation was rewarded with the Eco-Schools Green Flag with Merit.
• A group of Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in The Brilliant Club, undertaking a project entitled “Can Chemists Save the World?’ Of the participants, five graduated with either a 1:1 or 2:1 and enjoyed a celebration ceremony at the University of Cambridge.
• Over the year, the school raised more than £2,000 for worthwhile causes, including Readathon, UNICEF and Hope Against Cancer.
• Year 9 students completed over 780 hours of work supporting PE and sports events for over 2,000 primary pupils.
• Both the Junior and Inter teams won the Lionheart Games athletics competition.
• The school’s Year 7 team was crowned West Leicester Rounders Champions.
• Three year group teams won their categories at the West Leicester Athletic competition.
• Year 8 student Stephanie was named under-13 100m county champion. She was also part of a relay team that was crowned 4 x 100m county champions.
• At the Lionheart Modern Foreign Languages Spelling Competition, the Year 7 team triumphed in the French category.
Key Headlines
• In association with Cavendish Nuclear, the school ran its first ‘Unbox Your Future’ careers event for Year 9 students.
• All Year 10 students enjoyed participating in a week’s work experience.
• Year 11 students took part in mock interviews which helped to prepare them for the transition to further education and careers.
• The school hosted the Schools’ Aerospace Careers Programme in March. Students listened to talks, watched live demonstrations and networked with businesses within the aeronautical industry.
• Year 9 students had fun taking part in a career speed networking event in April, learning more from various businesses, including the Royal Air Force, Ministry of Justice, Specsavers and Chartered Management Institute.
• The Expressive Arts team hosted another fantastic Summer Arts Festival, which was wellattended.
School Trips and Visits
• Year 10s enjoyed a residential experience at Oxford University, where they discovered what it was like to study for a degree.
• In July, the school’s Speak Up group took to the stage at Curve Theatre, where they performed their own musical number ‘Stereotype Tango.’
• Geography students completed their fieldwork trip to Cotton Dell in Staffordshire in June.
Parent Quotes
“The extra support and care my daughter has received in literacy has made a huge difference to her ability to keep up with her peers.”
“My daughter clearly enjoys life in the school. She tells me what she has done and learnt, which previously she was reluctant to do. Her progress is clear to see.”
“Caring staff who are committed to support my daughter academically and holistically. I feel very fortunate that Sir Jonathan North is our catchment area school.”
“I like the fact that it has such high standards for the girls, and they focus on what the girls are good at and help them to be the best in that subject that they can be.”
“The ethos of the school. It promotes aspiration for all students and encourages all students to make the most of all their opportunities.”
Pictured clockwise from top L: Supporting primary school PE sessions, career speed networking event, MFL spelling champions and Lionheart Games winners.
ALTERNATIVE PROVISION
We recognise that for some pupils, a different approach to education is needed to support them in achieving their potential. That’s why we have an array of alternative provision where pupils receive tailored support from experienced professionals.
For the 2023-24 academic year, we opened:
The Pioneers’ Centre: A facility in Coalville attended by Key Stage 4 students who have been excluded or are at risk of permanent exclusion from a Lionheart school. Here, students are taught in smaller classes and benefit from an individualised approach with a strong emphasis on intervention schemes and therapeutic support. Key Stage 3 pupils at risk of exclusion join a temporary programme designed to offer them support to be able to re-integrate back into their usual Lionheart school.
The Green Room, also situated in Coalville, welcomes students on day visits from their usual Lionheart school to take part in a therapeutic-based curriculum that includes activities such as gardening, woodwork, hairdressing, nail art and animal welfare, while receiving further personal support. This provision mirrors The Meadows, an existing Lionheart provision in Leicester.
The Bridge in North Leicestershire supports Lionheart students who have received a temporary suspension of up to five days. Rather than undertake this at home, they take part in one-to-one restorative work that aims to manage misbehaviour.
Endeavour at The Cedars Academy
Endeavour is a specialist day provision in North Leicestershire for pupils aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional or mental health needs. It first opened in 2022 and welcomes students from across the county. Staff teach a broad and balanced curriculum, offer rewarding experiences and promote functional life skills.
The introduction of these centres has resulted in fewer permanent exclusions, enabling us to better support our vulnerable learners and help them to fulfil their potential.
NEW SCHOOLS JOIN LIONHEART
At the end of the academic year, Lionheart expanded into South Derbyshire, welcoming two additional schools into the Trust: Mercia Academy – an 11 to 16 school – and Newhall Junior School – a Key Stage 2-specific school, both located on the same Sunnyside site in Newhall, Swadlincote.
Having first been approached by the Department for Education to sponsor Mercia Academy in October 2023, we conducted thorough due diligence over the following months before both schools officially joined the Trust in June and July respectively.
Both Mercia Academy and Newhall Junior are committed to promoting inclusivity and opportunities for all; as such, their goals aligned with our mission and were a great fit to join our family of schools and benefit from the collaborative work we undertake. Both schools are also at exciting stages of development, with new school buildings scheduled for imminent construction; these new facilities will greatly enhance the learning environment for all pupils.
Having joined our Trust, the young people of Swadlincote can now benefit from our innovative and enriching curriculum and enjoy opportunities to meet children from other schools through our Trust-wide events. Similarly, staff can network with new colleagues and increase their breadth of knowledge.
Pictured: Teacher and Pupil in Mercia Academy's new library.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND RESULTS – 2023-24 EDUCATION
PRIMARY SCHOOL DATA
SECONDARY SCHOOL DATA
GCSE DATA
SIXTH FORM COLLEGE DATA
A LEVEL
ONWARD DESTINATIONS
AFTER RECEIVING THEIR A-LEVEL RESULTS IN THE SUMMER OF 2024, MANY LIONHEART STUDENTS CONTINUED THEIR EDUCATION; CHOOSING TO STUDY A RANGE OF COURSES AT VARIOUS UK UNIVERSITIES.
*GROUPED BY REGION
Scotland
The University of Edinburgh
University of Glasgow
University of St Andrews
North East
North West
Edge Hill University
Lancaster University
Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool J. Moores University
Liverpool Media Academy
Manchester Met University
Northumbria University
University of Liverpool
University of Manchester
University of Salford
Northern Ireland
Ulster University
West Midlands
Aston University
Birmingham City University
Coventry University
Harper Adams University
Keele University
University of Birmingham
University of Warwick
University of Wolverhampton
Wales
Bangor University
Cardiff University
Royal Welsh College of Music
Swansea University
London
Brunel UoL City, UoL
Escape Studios
Imperial College London
King’s College, UoL
Kingston University
London School of Economics
Queen Mary, UoL
University College London
University of Greenwich
South West
Falmouth University
University of Bath
University of Bristol
University of Exeter
University of Plymouth
Uni. of the West of England
South East
Bucks. New University
Guildford School of Acting
Royal Holloway, UoL
University of Brighton
University of Oxford
University of Portsmouth
University of Reading
University of Southampton
Durham University
Newcastle University
Leeds Art University
Sheffield Hallam University
University of Huddersfield
University of Hull
University of Leeds
University of Sheffield
University of York Yorkshire & Humber
East Midlands
Bishop Grosseteste University
De Montfort University
Loughborough College
Loughborough University
Nottingham Trent University
University of Derby
University of Leicester
University of Lincoln
University of Nottingham
Anglia Ruskin University
Emil Dale Academy
University of Cambridge
University of East Anglia
University of Essex
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent East of England
Additionally, this year two students took up places at international universities in Spain and Switzerland.
Extensive research has proven that even a few days of absence can negatively impact pupil performance and wellbeing. Therefore, across our schools, we work hard to ensure that all our young people maintain high levels of attendance throughout the academic year.
To support this drive, we reward those children who maintain excellent attendance, while our infrastructure – which includes automated letters home and truancy monitoring – further strengthens our commitment to ensuring that our pupils are in school as often as possible.
In 2023-24, attendance across Lionheart schools – for both primary and secondary – was above the national average.
ATTENDANCE OFSTED
93.1%
92.8%
Vs LIONHEART NATIONAL
During the academic year, five of our schools were visited by HMI Ofsted Inspectors, with positive outcomes for all that were reflective of the hard work and continuous improvement made by all Lionheart schools. With the removal of Ofsted’s single word judgements from September 2024, these were the last Lionheart school inspections to receive a single word to grade the outcome.
September 2023
Broom Leys Primary in Coalville retained its ‘Good’ grading with Inspectors describing the school as a “welcoming and caring” environment where “classrooms are a hive of activity.”
October 2023
Oadby’s Brocks Hill Primary was once again graded ‘Outstanding’, although this was its first inspection since joining Lionheart. Inspectors commended the “exemplary” and “impeccable” behaviour of pupils and celebrated the strength of the curriculum, noting that children “receive a high-quality education” and “benefit from an incredibly rich programme of personal development.”
December 2023
Beauchamp City was identified as an ‘Outstanding’ sixth form in all areas. On its first full inspection since opening in 2020, Inspectors praised the strength of the curriculum, noting that “the quality of education is outstanding, and students consistently make strong and swift progress.” Leaders and staff were also lauded as “unwavering in their pursuit of academic excellence and holistic development for all their students.”
April 2024
Martin High School in Anstey achieved a ‘Good’ grading, with Inspectors noting that “Pupils are happy to attend The Martin High School” and that “in all subjects, the curriculums are well planned to meet pupils’ interests and provide the knowledge and vocabulary they need to achieve well.”
May 2024
Having achieved an ‘Outstanding’ in three of the five criteria and a ‘Good’ grading overall, Ofsted Inspectors found Hallam Fields to be “an inclusive and highly ambitious school” where pupil behaviour is “exceptional.”
TRUST CURRICULUM
Lionheart’s curriculum has been carefully researched, developed and planned with the underpinning principle of social justice. At both primary and secondary level, subject experts have adopted an evidence-led approach to build a knowledge-rich, broad and representative curriculum that prioritises literacy and numeracy and is ambitious for all. Experienced teachers, many of whom also who carry out roles as curriculum leaders, understand the power of an ambitious curriculum, and that this entitlement should benefit all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Our curriculum provides them with keys to unlock their future in further education, training, and the workplace.
Lessons in Lionheart schools focus on powerful concepts and ideas that support pupils in achieving academic success and thriving in later life. Schemes of learning and lessons are planned sequentially, and pupils are given opportunities to develop long-term memory through strategies that build on the principles of cognitive science such as retrieval practice, dual coding, interleaving, modelling and elaboration. Using personal development lessons, we strive to support all our pupils to become self-regulatory and take control of their power as a learner.
We encourage staff collaboration, enabling them to share expertise and best practice approaches, alongside supporting subject knowledge development and pedagogy. This ensures our curriculum is delivered effectively and forms effective habits of success when teaching Lionheart’s young people.
CURRICULUM DIVERSITY
Our diverse curriculum offer across Lionheart schools includes:
Including creative digital media, applied science and music technology 39 17 27 11
LEVEL TWO VOCATIONAL COURSES
Including construction, hair and beauty, and health and social care
Including sociology, economics, psychology and further maths
LEVEL THREE VOCATIONAL COURSES
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM (PDC)
Across our schools, pupils benefit from our broad and ambitious Personal Development Curriculum, which exposes them to important subjects that are not typically covered in conventional lessons.
Introduced to better prepare our young people for adult life, pupils undertake one session per week, where they cover topics such as finance, gang culture and housing, all of which provide them with a solid understanding of the world around them.
These lessons also offer ample opportunities for pupils to strengthen their knowledge on diversity and develop an empathetic mindset, allowing them to view the world through a variety of different perspectives.
Across many of our schools’ Ofsted inspections during the academic year, Inspectors commented on the quality of these lessons and their delivery.
LIONHEART SPEAKS!
“Rich, varied and thoughtprovoking"
That’s
how Ofsted described our PDC.
For the second year running, pupils participated in Lionheart Speaks, the Trust’s bespoke initiative that equips our young people with the skills to become articulate and passionate orators.
They attended enriching public-speaking workshops from oracy charity Talk the Talk, who taught participants how to craft engaging speeches. Following the workshops, 71 pupils from primary school to sixth form congregated at The Y Theatre in Leicester where they performed their speeches on stage in front of an audience of 300. They spoke with eloquence and maturity on a range of issues close to their hearts, including Racism, Ocean Plastic Pollution, War and Body Image.
The event also featured a special performance from a group of students who gave a British Sign Language version of ‘This Is Me’ from The Greatest Showman. Aligning perfectly with the themes of communication and inclusion, this segment further elevated the inspirational evening where each of our pupils wowed the audience.
You can watch our students’ ‘This is Me’ sign language performance here
GLOBAL ISSUES CURRICULUM
Introduced in 2021, Lionheart’s bespoke Global Issues Curriculum broadens the scope of the traditional Personal Development Curriculum by diving into timely, relevant global challenges. It is designed to engage students in understanding and addressing issues beyond their immediate environment and school community.
Across the academic year, three key topics were selected, encompassing elements of classroom learning, discussion and social action to consolidate learning and empower students to explore ways they can positively impact the world.
During the Autumn Term of 2023-24, the focus was Food Poverty and Insecurity, including the cost-of-living crisis and the growth in disparity between the rich and the poor. A number of pupils then volunteered at local food banks to support their respective communities.
The following topic explored social media and how sites such as Facebook, X and Instagram have the potential to negatively impact an individual’s mental health. To accompany this topic, schools participated in a social media blackout where, for an entire weekend, no posts were shared on any platforms. Staff and students were encouraged take a break too, for their wellbeing.
The final topic of the year delved deep into climate change, examining the long-term impact on countries across the globe and the challenges faced by less developed regions. In June, an Eco Rally was held at The Cedars Academy, where interested pupils from all our schools were invited to engage in a variety of activities designed to deepen their understanding of climate change and wider ‘green’ issues.
Our Global Issues Curriculum did – and continues to – equip our young people with knowledge of pertinent issues, allowing them to mature into confident young people with a solid and empathetic understanding of the world around them.
Scan to see Lionheart Eco Rally featured on BBC East Midlands Today
Pictured L to R: Our social media blackout campaign and staff and students uniting to support local foodbanks.
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPING THE WHOLE CHILD
While we place strong emphasis on academic success – equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their formal examinations – we also give huge importance to providing opportunities that stimulate our pupils’ wider holistic development.
Throughout 2023-24, our young people participated in a wide variety of afterschool clubs, travelled far and wide on educational trips, listened intently to visiting speakers and organised generous fundraising activities. This heightened their cultural awareness, improved their social skills and equipped them with the skills needed to tackle adult life.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR CLUBS & TRIPS
This year, from EYFS through to sixth form, our pupils enjoyed a range of school trips, all designed to build on their classroom learning and deepen their understanding of the curriculum. They visited places of worship, museums, theme parks and had the opportunity to travel abroad, embarking on residential trips to France, Iceland, Spain, Austria and Italy.
We also welcomed a host of inspirational visitors to our schools, including acclaimed scientists, children’s authors, local firefighters and business owners. These guests enjoyed engaging with our young people, broadening their horizons and contextualising their learning.
Pictured: Beauchamp City and Beauchamp College students enjoyed a ski trip to Austria in March.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Highly respected by both employers and universities, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme positively challenges young people and encourages students to serve their communities, experience adventure and develop outside of the classroom.
Lionheart pupils completed their D of E Award
In 2023-24, over 300 Lionheart learners took part in the scheme – a new collective record. Year 9 students were offered the Bronze Award, Years 10 and 11 the Silver, and Years 12 and 13 the Gold. Across the year, they undertook voluntary work, learned valuable life skills, completed a chosen physical activity and enjoyed expeditions to Rutland, The Chilterns and the Peak District.
In February, we held our annual Trust Awards Ceremony. Hosted by the High Sheriff of Leicestershire – Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP – we celebrated the achievements of students who had completed their awards and officially presented them with their certificates.
Many more were completed in the months that followed
Pictured: High Sheriff of Leicestershire, Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, presents students with their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
BRILLIANT CLUB
This year, five of our secondary schools took part in The Brilliant Club, a national initiative that supports students who aspire to progress to university.
Working with PhD tutors, learners were tasked with completing an original research project about a topic that transcends the curriculum; this year, for example, students at Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College submitted a paper titled Can Chemists Save the World? Upon completing their projects, many of our students enjoyed attending ‘graduation days’ at a range of prestigious universities, a reward for the perseverance they demonstrated while working on their projects.
FUNDRAISING
Our schools raised over £45,000 for a wide variety of worthwhile causes during 2023-24. They organised non-uniform days, sponsored sporting events, festive fairs and a variety of other initiatives, donating vital funds to organisations like Children in Need, the Royal British Legion, Amnesty, LOROS, Comic Relief, Action Homeless and many more.
Over £45,000 raised through fundraising in 2023-24
Schools also engaged actively with their local communities, generously donating parcels to foodbanks and gathering essential items to create Christmas parcels.
CROSS-SCHOOL COLLABORATION
Throughout the year, our schools participated in various events alongside other Lionheart schools. These occasions gave staff and pupils the opportunity to network, collaborate and compete within a new social circle.
One example was the second annual Lionheart Games in June. This summer event brought 300 students from our eight Leicester and Leicestershire secondary schools to Saffron Lane Stadium, where they competed in a series of athletic activities designed to test speed, strength, endurance, agility and teamwork.
Uniting students across the Trust through a mutual love of sport, the collaborative competition was a huge success and has since evolved into an annual event.
Our young people also participated in Modern Foreign Language spelling events, Battle of the Bands, LET’s Dance and Lionheart Speaks.
Pictured: Students compete at Lionheart Games 2024.
CELEBRATING OUR DIVERSE COMMUNITY ENSURING INCLUSIVITY
Underpinning everything we strive for is a belief that any young person from any background deserves an equal chance to succeed in whatever they choose to do. Essential to achieving this is establishing a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion – values that are woven throughout the culture of our schools. This ensures that everyone associated with Lionheart – pupils, staff, parents, carers, Governors and Trustees – feels that their voice is heard and recognised.
We are committed to ensuring that, during their time with us, our pupils develop into mature, respectful and culturally aware young people that listen to one another and celebrate each other’s unique identity. Consequently, they acquire a solid understanding of the world around them and are equipped to make positive contributions to both their local community and wider society.
To achieve this, we have strengthened our efforts to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within our schools; educating our pupils about religious festivals and awareness days, providing them with opportunities to celebrate and participating in national and international campaigns.
DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK
In February, we hosted our own Disability Awareness Week, placing an emphasis on ability, over disability. Organised by our staff Disability Working Group, students spent the week engaging with various initiatives that strengthened their understanding of living with a disability and the challenges often faced by these individuals.
Led by staff from the Hearing Support Centre at Beauchamp College, students were introduced to British Sign Language and learned how to sign the poem Abilities. They also listened attentively to a talk by Ian Hall from ADHD Solutions, who spoke about the gifts and the challenges of living with the condition. Additionally, Chris Swan, one of our School Governors, conducted a video interview with Zheung Wang, a parent from one of our schools, who lost his arms in an accident at the age of nine. He spoke about how he overcame prejudice and obstacles to recently become Professor of Economics and Research Lead at Durham University.
Posters featuring inspiring members of the disabled community were also displayed around schools, while libraries promoted a range of fictional and non-fictional books revolving around disabled individuals, which further strengthened students’ understanding.
Through these activities, pupils were able to foster a deeper sense of empathy, increase their understanding and celebrate the diverse abilities prevalent within their local communities.
Pictured: As part of our internal Disability Awareness Week, pupils learnt some British Sign Language and signed out the poem Abilities
CELEBRATING FAITH
Throughout the year, a variety of religious festivals from key faith groups were acknowledged across our schools.
To educate students about these significant occasions celebrated by some of their peers, short educational videos were shared during tutor time and assemblies. Furthermore, staff had the opportunity to sample traditional food that related to the celebrations; for example, hot cross buns were served to mark Easter Sunday and samosas for Eid. Additionally, on our social media channels, we shared celebratory messages with stakeholders on the day of each celebration.
CULTURE DAYS
As a fun and immersive way to celebrate the diverse religions, cultures and identities that make up their respective communities, many of our schools enjoyed hosting Culture Days during the Summer Term. Staff and pupils were encouraged to wear traditional clothing that represented their unique cultures or religions, lessons were given a fun twist, and interactive activities were arranged to foster unity and celebrate the diversity within the school communities.
Clockwise from top left: Culture Day at Sir jonathan North Girls' College, Beauchamp City Sixth Form and Judgemeadow Community College, Brocks Hill staff celebrate Diwali
SUSTAINABILITY
CONSIDERING OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT
As a multi-academy trust, it is important that we consider our impact on the environment, reduce our carbon footprint and educate our pupils about vital ‘green’ issues that punctuate modern society. That is why, every year, we participate in both educational operational initiatives that promote sustainability and highlight our commitment to conservation.
ECO CLUBS
A popular part of our extracurricular offering, last year, 10 Lionheart schools ran an Eco Club, educating children about the key environmental issues facing the planet and, through a variety of interactive activities, empowered pupils to take appropriate action. During 2023-24, eight of the Eco Clubs received recognition for the crucial environmental work they undertake, in the form of awards and accolades.
10 of our schools ran an Eco Club during 2023-24
Pupils from Hallam Fields Primary School participated in the Less Litter for Leicestershire campaign, where they completed a litter pick of the school and collected over 25kg of rubbish.
Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College received the Eco-Schools Green Flag for the third year in succession. Eco-Schools praised them for creating a healthy new menu as part of the Leicester Mealbarrow competition, recycling hundreds of plastic bottles, improving the school grounds and attending a community hedgehog rescue event.
These clubs reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering environmentally conscious young people who are motivated to make a positive difference in the world.
WASTE & RECYCLING
Understanding our responsibility to be environmentally considerate, we continue to manage our waste; reducing, recycling, reusing and diverting where appropriate.
Across our schools, 319.4 tonnes of waste was collected, of which:
ECO RALLY
In June, we held our first-ever Lionheart Eco Rally at The Cedars Academy, welcoming young people from all our schools. The event formed the social action element of our Global Issues Curriculum, which focused on climate change during the Summer Term.
On the day, over 1,000 people, enjoyed sampling a host of educational and interactive activities; they penned letters to Parliament asking for action on key issues, constructed their own placards with messages, created bee bombs, used recycled materials to build sculptures and spoke with representatives from activist charity Greenpeace.
Ian Bursnall, also known as ‘The Skint Cook’ and a former student at Martin High School, also attended the event. He gave a live cooking demonstration and taught learners how to make the most of leftover food, thus reducing food waste.
The event was a fantastic success, allowing pupils to deepen their understanding of green issues and contextualise their classroom learning.
ELECTRIC CAR SCHEME
Lionheart's staff electric/hybrid car scheme through Tusker proved especially popular with staff during 2023-24, with a 114% increase in uptake compared to the previous academic year. Consequently, 30 Lionheart employees were leasing a vehicle through Tusker by the end of the academic year.
To support members of staff with electric vehicles, charging stations were installed at a number of our school sites.
Recognising the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, the introduction of this scheme has contributed hugely to our Trust-wide push on sustainability, significantly reducing our collective carbon dioxide emissions.
30 employees lease an electric car through our benefits scheme
This resulted in a saving of 15,000 kg of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent). That is 2,000 kg more than last year and equates to:
DEVELOPING OUR TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Our in-house Digital Design and Development Team worked hard throughout the year to further enhance the systems and software used by Lionheart staff and students.
BEEHIVE
Beehive – built and maintained by Lionheart teams – is an online system for staff, students and parents/carers, with a wide variety of functions, including setting and viewing homework, creating classroom seating plans, managing media consent, communicating important messages, processing payments and recording staff performance reviews.
In 2023-24 Beehive:
Was used by 31,231 people
Issued 306,200 behaviour points
Sent out 1,828,600 emails
Processed 241,800 orders
Awarded 1,866,850 reward points
Managed 60,650 detentions
Sent 282,200 SMS messages
Received payments totalling £4,125,000
In an ever-evolving technological world, it is important that we react to any changes and develop our systems accordingly, to ensure a positive user experience.
In 2023-24, updates to Beehive included:
• Behaviour management – additional tools were introduced to make it easier for staff to manage student behaviour, including those with special educational needs (SEND).
• Truancy module – a useful feature that enables staff to manage persistent student absences.
• Mailout – enabling staff to communicate with students and parents/carers more efficiently.
• Knowledgebase – a hub for staff containing useful information, including staff benefits, CPD, employee awards, pensions and pay and the latest vacancies.
FUNDING
SECURING EXTRA REVENUE FOR OUR SCHOOLS
Taking an innovative approach to securing funding, multiple revenue streams helped us invest to support the academic and holistic development of pupils in all our schools.
LETTINGS
Across the academic year, school facilities were hired out beyond the school day by local community groups, sports teams and businesses. School venues hosted meetings, weddings, sports clubs, faith schools, parties, holiday clubs and a wide variety of other events. These activities generated over £1 million, which was reinvested in school projects and equipment.
Over £1 million, generated from facility hire, was reinvested back into our schools
GRANTS
G rants were secured from a range of organisations, to fund projects and initiatives, all aimed at augmenting the educational experience for pupils.
SEVERN TRENT
£10,000
An outdoor classroom was constructed on-site at Highcliffe Primary School in Birstall. The complex – which also features a pond and various natural feeding stations – has provided countless learning opportunities, giving pupils the chance to learn more about local nature and contribute to the preservation of natural habitats.
ENERGY SPARKS
£7,220
We introduced an energy management platform across all Trust schools, enabling site managers to monitor their electricity and gas usage in real time. This allowed schools to identify opportunities for significant cost savings and promote more sustainable energy practices.
ACTIVE TOGETHER £135,000
Through a successful partnership with Active Together, we secured funding to purchase a wide range of sports equipment for eight of our schools: The Castle Rock School, Highcliffe Primary School, Humphrey Perkins School, Judgemeadow Community College, Martin High School, The Newbridge School, Riverside Primary School and Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College. This allowed pupils to enjoy activities such as boxercise, spikeball, spin biking, trampolining, tennis, dodgeball and cricket, with expert coaches on hand to support them during these sessions.
NATURE PARK GRANT
£10,000
Funding the creation of a natural planting area at Beauchamp City Sixth Form in Leicester city centre, this enriched outdoor learning opportunities and fostered environmental awareness among students.
FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
£3,200
Through a partnership with a local football club that trains and competes at a Lionheart school, funding was secured for several defibrillators. This life-saving equipment will benefit staff, students and the many individuals and teams who use our venues.
TINY FOREST
£35,000
In November 2023, Judgemeadow Community College was awarded funding to create a ‘Tiny Forest’ in its grounds. Comprising 600 native trees and shrubs, the dense woodland has already attracted over 500 animal and plant species, offering food, shelter and nesting spaces for local wildlife.
INTERNATIONAL TREE FOUNDATION
£35,000
Three of our Birstall schools – The Cedars Academy, Hallam Fields Primary School and Highcliffe Primary School – each received a collection of trees to create dedicated tree areas within their grounds. These spaces supported the delivery of forest school-based lessons, encouraging outdoor learning and environmental awareness.
ROTARY CLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN
£3,200
Thanks to the support from Rotary Clubs across Leicestershire, sports equipment was purchased for students at The Pioneers’ Centre. The new equipment – including a basketball hoop and frame, a table tennis table and a rowing machine – has significantly enhanced the facilities available to students at our alternative provision.
PARTNERSHIPS
P artnership agreements with Leicestershire sporting institutions and businesses were agreed, with a range of activities taking place across the 2023-24 academic year.
LEICESTER TIGERS
In association with both Leicester Tigers and Active Together, a combined grant was secured to encourage those from BAME backgrounds, SEND students, and FSM recipients and girls to engage with rugby. Under the guidance of a dedicated sports coach, enriching rugby sessions were delivered both within PE lessons and through extracurricular initiatives, using the sport to promote positive physical and mental health. We also enhanced facilities and equipment and provided rugby-specific CPD sessions for staff.
AMAZON
A partnership was established with online retailer, Amazon, which provided both opportunities for class visits to their distribution HQ and generous donations totalling £14,000 worth of educational resources.
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB
Our existing partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club provided pupils with further exclusive opportunities; the highlight of which being a competition to design the new Leicestershire Foxes T20 kit for the 2025 season. Over 1000 entries then became a final five, with designs unveiled at the Lionheart T20 Day, where supporters voted for their favourite. The same event also offered pupils matchday opportunities, including as flagbearers.
A key aim of this partnership was to enhance female participation in cricket, and in September, England Women’s team members Charlie Dean and Alice Davidson-Richardson delivered an exclusive coaching session for pupils at Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College. To further inspire young players, pupils were also offered complimentary tickets to watch the England Women’s Team take on Sri Lanka in a thrilling One Day International match at the Uptonsteel County Ground.
This renewed partnership has not only inspired creativity and engagement among pupils but also successfully promoted inclusivity and a love for cricket across the Trust.
INVESTING
IN OUR SCHOOL FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
We work tirelessly to create a positive learning environment, enabling pupils to access outstanding facilities and resources.
Guided by our experienced Estates and IT teams, across the academic year we carried out significant work to upgrade our school sites and resources.
KEY PROJECTS
ESTATES
Completed in July 2024
THE CEDARS ACADEMY 3G PITCH
The multi-purpose pitch – which has the capacity to host a variety of sports – closely mirrors the one erected at Beauchamp College in 2021 and now supports the delivery of the school’s broad PE curriculum. Additionally, it is a welcome resource for the local community, including partner football clubs Birstall United, Mountsorrel Juniors and East Goscote United Girls.
Completed in July 2024
BROOM LEYS PRIMARY SCHOOL NURSERY
In collaboration with Hunny Nurseries, YMD Boon and R G Stones, a brand-new nursery block – The Hunny Jar Coalville – was constructed on-site at Broom Leys Primary School. This facility will help meet the growing local demand for Early Years places and support the future EYFS intake into the school.
Completed in July 2024
HUMPHREY PERKINS SECURITY GATES
New Paxton-controlled gates were installed at the front entrance of Humphrey Perkins School, further enhancing the security of the school site.
Completed in August 2024
RIVERSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
Extensive work was carried out to improve two large playgrounds, with the recreational areas re-laid and re-tarmacked, with fresh line markings painted on top.
Completed in August 2024
BEAUCHAMP COLLEGE ENTRANCE AND FOYER
With the entrance area at Beauchamp College becoming worn and uneven in places, it was revitalised with new flooring and a fresh wall covering in the foyer.
Completed in August 2024
HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND
A previously unusable area was transformed into a purpose-built allweather space. Extensively layered with artificial grass, the new area now provides children with the opportunity to enjoy outdoor play and learning all year round.
From March 2024 with completion in September 2024
MERCIA ACADEMY NEW TEMPORARY SCHOOL BUILDING
Extensive work was undertaken, under very tight deadlines, to construct a temporary school building in time for the next academic year. This interim facility will accommodate students while their existing building – already part of the Department for Education’s School Rebuilding Programme – is demolished and replaced with a new permanent structure.
Commissioned in 2023-24, with completion in October 2024
THE NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL 3G PITCH
To enhance the delivery of PE at The Newbridge School, work commenced in the summer of 2024 to replace the surface of the allweather 3G pitch.
Commissioned in 2023-24, with completion in October 2024
GREENSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL
Having been selected by Leicestershire County Council to open a brand-new forest school within a new Coalville housing development, Lionheart estates and IT teams worked with developers through the latter build stages to ensure delivery and handover in autumn 2024.
FURTHER REFURBISHMENTS AND UPGRADES
Alongside these major enhancements and additions, several other projects were undertaken including; upgraded toilet blocks, installation of energy-efficient lighting, new wired fire alarm systems, heating upgrades, replacement flooring and new changing rooms, corridors and classrooms.
IT
NETWORK IMPROVEMENTS
To strengthen the Trust-wide infrastructure, significant upgrades were made to enhance network performance across our family of schools. Improved Wi-Fi connectivity resulted in faster internet access and a robust firewall server was implemented to strengthen cybersecurity.
AUDIO AND VISUAL FACILITIES
To enhance communication with students, digital signage facilities were installed in several Trust schools. Additionally, AV (Audio and Visual) resources, such as projectors, were installed in classrooms and auditoriums across school sites, enriching the teaching and learning experience and supporting the delivery of extracurricular activities, including performing arts shows.
RESOURCES FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS
Throughout the year, outdated devices were replaced with new laptops, iMacs and iPads, ensuring pupils had access to modern technology. These faster models, in line with recent technological advancements, enabled staff and students to complete tasks with greater ease and convenience, and allowed them to access innovative software which enhanced teaching and learning.
CASHLESS CATERING
First introduced last year, the central IT team continued to refine and enhance the cashless catering system used across all secondary schools. With improved performance and new features, staff and students can now purchase refreshments more easily when moving between school sites.
Pictured: Leicester City and Republic of Ireland midfielder Kasey McAteer officially opens the new 3G pitch at The Cedars Academy.
BROADCASTING OUR COLLECTIVE KNOWLEDGE
Recognised as experts in the delivery of computing and mathematics teaching, Lionheart manages regional Computing and Maths Hubs, utilising this expertise to lead subject and delivery improvement among fellow practitioners.
MATHS HUB
Beauchamp College, the founding school of Lionheart Educational Trust, is one of 40 Maths Hubs in England. It leads the East Midlands South Maths Hub, offering Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to teaching staff from primary school through to sixth form.
During the 2023-24 academic year:
• 626 participants, from 253 schools, engaged with a wide variety of CPD opportunities.
• The Hub invited subject leaders from more than 35 local secondary schools to participate in in the second Secondary Subject Leaders Community event.
253 schools engaged in Maths Hub professional development during 2023-24
COMPUTING HUB
Lionheart is part of a national network of 30 regional computing hubs. Established to improve the provision of computing education in England, these hubs deliver continual professional development courses and provide local support for teachers in primary and secondary schools.
The Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire & Rutland Computing Hub is led by Lionheart’s Beauchamp College, due to its exceptional track record in teaching computing.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the Computing Hub:
• Supported 495 teachers from 361 schools.
• Enhanced the subject knowledge of 110 primary trainee teachers.
• Supported 28 schools to complete the I Belong programme, which encourages more girls to study computer science.
The Computing Hub supported 495 teachers during 2023-24
INSPIRING
WORKFORCE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
LIONHEART TEACH
Lionheart Teach is our own Initial Teacher Training Programme, which exists to develop and support the next generation of teachers. In partnership with the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University – and through internships, teacher training and Early Careers Teacher (ECT) support – we provide trainee work placements within our family of schools.
Internships
In the summer term, Lionheart Teach supported 19 interns to gain classroom experience across various subjects. Working in our schools, interns gained invaluable experience, received feedback and support from a teacher mentor and were guided in applying for teacher training.
Teacher Training
Our tailored programme focuses on each trainee as an individual, equipping them with the skills and confidence to evolve into outstanding classroom practitioners with a passion for teaching. Throughout the year, we hosted 23 Lionheart trainees, and 40 additional trainee teachers from other providers, delivering a comprehensive programme of professional development.
We also successfully supported the pilot of the new Intensive Training and Practice (ITaPs) model, with both the University of Leicester and Loughborough University. Designed to prepare for the new Initial Teacher Education (ITE) structure, starting in August 2024, this initiative provided positive exposure to a wider pool of potential teachers for our schools.
70% of 2024’s Lionheart Teach trainees gained a teaching position within the Trust
Following the interview process for ECT positions within Lionheart, 16 Lionheart Teach trainees were recruited in the following areas:
Early Careers Teacher (ECT) support
To onboard teachers, once qualified but early on in there careers, we implement a programme of support, mentoring and development opportunities.
This year, we supported:
33
30 first year ECTs second year ECTs
I am currently teaching Maths at Sir Jonathan North, a career choice which was influenced by my completion of the Lionheart Teach internship. This opportunity gave me a taste of the reality of the mathematics classroom and the positive impact we can have on our learners. During my initial teacher training with Lionheart Teach, partnered with the University of Leicester, I felt well supported and was able to grow with confidence in the classroom.”
Menna Elbeltagi
Early Careers Teacher of Maths, Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College
OUR PEOPLE
ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR TRUST
We place high value on every member of staff within our Trust. As a result, we are deeply committed to being a valued employer within our communities and demonstrate this through a variety of supportive initiatives for employees.
HEART AWARDS
RECOGNISING OUR EMPLOYEES
Introduced to highlight the fantastic work undertaken by all employees, the Heart Awards is a peer-to-peer awards scheme that enables staff to celebrate the outstanding achievements of others. Throughout the academic year, 314 staff members – across all areas of the Trust – were recognised for going above and beyond to uphold our three core staff values: positive, professional and pupil-centred.
In July 2024, the winners were crowned at an all-staff, end-of-year celebration.
POSITIVE – WINNERS
Andy Green, Year 2 Teacher at Riverside Primary School
As well as being an exceptionally gifted and positive teacher with a heart of gold, Andy was nominated for going above and beyond to support Riverside pupils through extracurricular sporting events. He dedicates many of his weekends to attending crosscountry events and other initiatives aimed at promoting a passion for PE.
Heather Smith, Cover Manager at The Castle Rock School
Heather was celebrated for her unwavering positivity and for being a “beacon of light in the workplace.” She is relentless in making sure that students have the best people in front of them when their regular teacher is unavailable. Heather’s dedication ensures that students continue to make progress, even when their learning is disrupted.
PROFESSIONAL – WINNERS
Bina Varia, Head of English at Humphrey Perkins School
A brilliant and dedicated Head of Faculty, Bina led the school to its highest ever collection of English results in 2023. Since then, her skills have been called upon by AQA and, together, they have introduced new texts which have broadened the range of voices and experiences in the classroom. She was described as “trailblazer” and a “credit to the school.”
Rita D’Silva Griffiths, Events Manager at Lionheart
Rita smoothly and expertly manages the Lionheart events service, enabling community members to hire school facilities. Her commitment, professionalism, hard work and warm personality have significantly increased bookings, generating revenue which is reinvested into Trust schools to benefit pupils.
Over 300 employees nominated
PUPIL-CENTRED – WINNERS
Chris Goodchild, Science Teacher at Beauchamp College
Demonstrating outstanding dedication to student achievement, Chris goes over and above to support his students in the lead-up to their GCSE exams. He has created evidence-based resources, voluntarily led afterschool intervention sessions and sent revision videos to students, ensuring they have all the tools needed to succeed.
Tracey Harrison, Learning Support Assistant at Endeavour within The Cedars Academy
Thanks to her calm and positive demeanour, Tracey has built strong bonds with hardto-reach students and inspired them to reach their potential. Her work significantly enriches the lives of students and contributes hugely to Endeavour’s strong attendance rates and consistent academic progress.
TEAM – WINNERS
EYFS Support Team, Broom Leys Primary School
Despite facing many challenges, the team remain motivated and positive, working together brilliantly to support pupils with some of the highest needs. They researched and effectively implemented a Sensory Interaction Intervention, improving provision for pupils and providing them with a nurturing environment, enabling them to make fantastic progress in their crucial first year of school.
Science Technicians, Judgemeadow Community College
Balancing multiple responsibilities, the Science Technicians consistently put the needs of others above their own, ensuring the department runs smoothly throughout the academic year. They support cover staff, prepare practical lessons and have overhauled the prep room, improving the efficiency and organisation of science lessons at Judgemeadow and greatly enhancing students’ experience.
Pictured: Broom Leys EYFS Support Team.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
LINKEDIN LEARNING
It is important that our staff have opportunities to grow and develop; that is why, in September 2023, we purchased LinkedIn Learning licenses for all Lionheart employees. Alongside National College, an existing online learning tool provided for all staff, LinkedIn Learning contains a wide range of courses for staff to undertake flexibly.
In its first year, 417 staff members activated their license and over 5000 learning videos were watched, leading to the completion of courses such as ‘Excel Essential Training,’ ‘Leading with Emotional Intelligence’ and ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence,’ learning which strengthened staff skillset and increased their role-related knowledge.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY
We launched a refreshed internal leadership development pathway, for colleagues within Lionheart who had substantial impact and/or experience at middle leadership who were keen to progress into, or within, senior leadership in education. 43 staff members were recruited across our schools to start in September 2024.
NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (NPQ)
In 2023-24, 37 employees across the Trust were studying towards an NPQ.
APPRENTICESHIPS
We supported employees undertaking apprenticeships in:
• IT
• Premises
• Learning Support
• Sports Coaching
RESEARCH GROUP
• Leadership
We understand that having a stable, skilled, motivated and engaged workforce is key to achieving the goals we set out as a Trust. Essential to creating this culture is the recruitment and the retention of staff, which continues to be a key priority. Therefore, throughout the academic year, a research group – comprising a range of senior leaders – discussed the improvement of recruitment and retention of staff through implementation of several initiatives. These included informal flexible working arrangements which help staff to balance their work and home life, e.g. by enabling teaching staff to be timetabled so that they can have the flexibility to drop their child(ren) off at school once a week, for example.
PERFORMANCE-RELATED PAY
During the 2023-24 academic year, after careful consideration and consultation, we took the decision to remove performance-related pay for teachers.
This means that – from 2024-25 onwards – the performance of teaching staff will have no bearing on their capacity to progress through their respective grading scales. Lionheart took this decision – prior to those at national level – because we recognise that a direct link between pay and performance results in a greater focus on performance delivery as opposed to performance development. As a Trust that promotes academic excellence, we understand that the most effective way to deliver high-quality teaching is to support our staff and provide them with opportunities to continually review and develop their practice.
STAFF SURVEY
Each year, we encourage employees to complete a survey, enabling us to ensure satisfaction remains high in key areas such as wellbeing, communication and development.
Following the implementation of new internal communications initiatives for the 2022-23 academic year – such as a weekly e-bulletin and termly CEO live online briefings – that were further embedded in 2023-24, we welcomed a further improvement in response to the statement:
Employee satisfaction scores improved for the third consecutive year.
• I usually hear about important changes through formal communication rather than through rumours - an increase of 6.8% on 2022-23
With the employee awards scheme having run for a full year and into its second by the time of the 2024 survey, we were also pleased to see improvements to scores for the second year in a row for:
• I feel valued and respected in my role - an increase of 1% on 2022-23
• I feel staff are recognised according to their performance - an increase of 2.8% on 2022-23.
STAFF BENEFITS
Employees have access to a wide range of additional benefits which continued to be popular throughout the year, following work to raise awareness and understanding among colleagues to improve take-up.
Benefits include healthcare membership, an electric car lease scheme and salary sacrifice schemes for gym membership, technology and bicycle leasing/purchasing.
When compared to take up of these benefits in the previous academic year, the following increases were seen:
114% Car Scheme
21% Gym Scheme
46% Benenden Health
30% Cycle Scheme 50% Tech Scheme
ABOUT LIONHEART
OUTLINING OUR AIMS AND VALUES
OUR AIM
Our pupil-centred approach aims to break barriers between all of our students and their successes.
We believe that every young person, no matter their background, has an equal right to an equal education.
We strive to provide the highest quality education in each of our unique schools, with a commitment to supporting young people to open doors to their futures and feel confident that they can thrive in a competitive world.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
• Research-informed
• Driven, progressive and adapted curriculum
• Led by experts
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
• Wide-ranging opportunities beyond the classroom
• Learning and discussion of global issues
• Development of the ‘whole child’
• Inclusion and diversity at the core
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• Mutually-beneficial business relationships
• Revenue generation through facility and venue hire
• Build reputation, locally and further afield, for the best staff recruitment and student opportunities
• Embrace civic responsibility
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
• Underpinning skills and knowledge for success
• Wide-ranging subject offer, taught by experts
• Tools, opportunities and encouragement for every young person to be the best they can be
COLLABORATIVE CULTURE
• Harness, develop and share staff skills, Trust-wide
• Support every voice to be heard and valued
• Celebrate successes and share best practice
FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL EFFICACY
• Operate with innovation and integrity
• Create value for schools through shared central resources and economies of scale
• Financial sustainability, through carefully managed funding and income stream generation, alongside budgeted expenditure
• Robust governance at every level
• Applying entrepreneurial spirit
OUR VALUES – STUDENT FOCUS
We dedicate ourselves to providing young people with the strongest foundation for success, during their time in education and beyond.
Professor Guy Claxton’s principles of building learning power - ‘The Rs’ - underpin the values Lionheart’s young people, from early years through to sixth form, develop during their education. The Rs enable us to develop an understandable common language used in all classrooms and with all children. We teach our young people to be:
RESILIENT
To have the ability to bounce back when the going gets tough
RECIPROCAL
Learning to work together and show care and understanding for each other
RESOURCEFUL
Having the confidence to ask for help and to find answers in new ways
REFLECTIVE
Considering what needs to be done to make the next steps
RESPECTFUL*
Showing respect to all adults, children and property
RESPONSIBLE*
Learning to be responsible for self, belongings and the belongings of others
Professor Claxton believes that embedding the Rs, “...breeds young people who are more curious, more willing to take a risk and give it a go, more imaginative, more creative, more thoughtful, more ready, willing and able to learn with and through others. It’s developing this adventurous spirit that counts.”
*for primary school pupils only
OUR VALUES – STAFF FOCUS
Having been developed through consultation with employees, Lionheart’s 3Ps are the values every staff member promises to embrace in their work. Through annual appraisals between employees and line managers, every employee is set – and works towards – a development target that is centred around one of Lionheart’s Ps, ensuring development with purpose for both the employee and employer. For teaching staff, the 3Ps are connected to their core focus on teaching standards.
PUPIL-CENTRED
Everything we do is centralised around the needs and wellbeing of our young people. We value nothing more than equity and quality learning for all pupils.
POSITIVE
We embrace challenges, facing them with optimism and a determination to succeed.
PROFESSIONAL
We model professionalism at all times, holding ourselves to the highest standard. All staff will be highly qualified; quality first teaching is at our core.
The 2022-23 academic year saw the introduction of the Heart Awards; a peer-to-peer awards scheme to recognise effort and achievement of employees, that reflected the 3Ps. See more on pages 92-93.
All employees promise to be pupilcentred, positive and professional in their everyday work"
OUR VISION AND GOALS STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
As we moved forwards with our three-year strategic plan set in 2021, we worked throughout the 2023-24 academic year to continue to achieve the following priority objectives, with the ultimate goal of opening doors for the young people in our Trust:
CULTURE
INNOVATION
COMMON LANGUAGE IN TEACHING & LEARNING
SKILL SHARING & DEVELOPMENT
PREPARING PUPILS FOR THE FUTURE
DATA ACCURACY
INCLUSIVITY
CLARITY & EFFICACY
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
TRUST
CULTURE: ‘WE ARE GREATER THAN THE SUM OF OUR PARTS’
We will continue to create a culture of collective responsibility that is inclusive and supportive.
LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER AND DEVELOPING OUR STAFF
In order to drive forward improvement we will harness the skills, expertise and experiences of all our staff, build networks for groups of staff to share best practice, consider up to date research in our field and ensure CPD opportunities reflect need and aspiration.
DEVELOPING A COMMON LANGUAGE
To ensure optimum communication, support all stakeholders with clear central messages and facilitate effective joint working. We will develop a common language around teaching and learning.
ENSURING INCLUSIVITY
We will create further opportunities for all colleagues to feel valued, supported and for their voice to be shared and heard whatever their background, experience or position.
INNOVATION IN EDUCATION
We will remain research-informed and enable our staff to learn new skills, including technological skills, that will enhance all learning experiences and environments.
DATA ACCURACY
We will continue to be reflective and evidence-informed to know ourselves as well as possible and target interventions accurately and appropriately.
PREPARING PUPILS FOR THE FUTURE
Having a strong awareness of the local strategic economic plan and ensuring that our curricula provide opportunities to challenge our learners, enabling them to become critical thinkers who are confident to question, underpinned by strong skills and knowledge to be proactive contributors in their communities in the future.
PROMOTING OUR GOOD WORK WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
Building on our local reputation, we will endeavour to communicate and celebrate our successes and share best practice more widely to become an employer and educator of choice both locally and further afield.
ENSURING CLARITY AND EFFICACY OF THE TRUST OFFER
Drawing together all of our expertise, services and facilities we will create mediums to communicate clearly to all stakeholders and those with an interest in Lionheart Educational Trust from further afield.
THREE-TIER STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE
MEMBERS
TRUST BOARD
AUDIT COMPLIANCE & RISK
*LGB=Local Governing Body
MEMBERS
As founders of our multi-academy trust, the role of members is to ensure that the Board keeps core priorities - providing education for children and young people - at the centre of its work, and retains its stated ethos and values.
Lionheart members 2023-24:
Diane Miller Retired Primary Headteacher with leadership and educational experience.
Michael Rusk Episcopalian Church Vicar with experience in community leadership.
Eddie Lansdown
Eddie sadly passed away in March 2024, having served as a Lionheart member since 2015. Eddie’s influence, humour and kindness will be sincerely missed.
Nigel Swan Retired Head of Distributions and Chair of a local charity.
Dushyant
Tanna Retired Solicitor with business and educational charity experience.
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees provide strong strategic leadership, ensuring robust accountability for educational and financial performance. The Trust Board met five times during the academic year, with two meetings in the autumn, one in the spring and two in the summer term, inclusive of a Trustee strategy day.
Lionheart Trustees 2023-24:
Byron Chatburn
Chair
of Trustees
Business owner, with experience in finance and business management, focusing on value for money for the Trust. Byron is also the Chair of the Finance Committee.
Sarju Raikandalia
Financial Chartered Accountant and current business owner, with experience of local governance, joining a trust and holding senior leaders to account.
Ian Harris
A retired engineer with experience of business management, premises and engineering. Ian supports with the Trust’s estates.
Luise Vassie
Portfolio of roles including leading an engineeringbased charity and advising on assessment of vocational learning. Experienced in governance, risk and health and safety management and assurance.
Kath Kelly
Executive Principal and CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust, with leadership and education experience.
Dilip Kadodwala Vice Chair
A retired HMI, with experience of holding schools and multi academy trusts to account. Dilip has extensive knowledge of education, safeguarding and governance, and is also the Chair of the Education and Engagement Committee.
Mark Grant
Homeless Charity CEO with experience in driving social mobility and multi agencies. Mark is a link Trustee to Deprivation.
Farah Salah
joined in November 2023 Director of Finance at NFU, a non-for-profit charity. Farah has over 20 years of business experience implementing high-level, practical strategies to drive performance and improvement.
Catherine Thornton
Left in October 2023
Chief Education Officer of Primary Education in a multi academy trust outside of Leicestershire. Catherine has experience of SEND, strategic leadership and school improvement.
The Trust board have three core functions:
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and ensuring value for money
To ensure that the Trust adheres to the governance framework outlined in the Academy Trust Handbook and ensure a high level of scrutiny, the Trust board delegates some responsibilities to committees. Committees are made up of Trustees with specific knowledge and experience who, with the exception of the remuneration committee, met three times during the 2023-24 academic year and reported back to the Trust Board.
The committees are:
• Audit Compliance and Risk
• Finance and Operations
• Education and Engagement
• Remuneration
GOVERNANCE VISION EVENING
This event enabled Lionheart to share the common values of the Trust with all Governors. Without Governors the schools would not have a critical friend, and the evening provided an opportunity for everyone to have a shared understanding of what’s important to our pupils, staff and communities.
LOCAL GOVERNING BODIES
Each school has a Local Governing Body (LGB), which holds the school to account for; the quality of teaching and learning; the experience of pupils, parents and staff; the processes to ensure safeguarding and informal links with the local community and businesses. LGBs ensure that school leaders are mindful of the school’s context and work within the overall vision of Lionheart Educational Trust. Each LGB governor links to a particular area of school life such as safeguarding, SEND or pupil premium.
LIONHEART'S SENIOR LEADERS EXECUTIVE TEAM
Lionheart is led by an Executive Team, each experienced in their field, ensuring the expert operational and educational direction of the Trust. The team comprises a well-balanced mix of personnel with multiple years of service within the Trust and its schools, as well as employees with more recent experience outside of the Trust in both public sector and commercial roles.
Kath Kelly, CEO
Kath joined Beauchamp College in 2011 as Vice Principal, before being appointed Head of College, and then Principal in 2015. During this time, and with a lifelong commitment to education, she completed an MSc in Educational Leadership in 2014.
With over 25 years’ experience in education, Kath became CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust in 2016, and has since worked to raise standards across the Trust by changing staff culture through empowerment and encouragement to share best practice; all with outstanding results. She has an unwavering dedication to improving diversity and ensuring inclusivity, and during her time as CEO has also gained a wide range of experience line managing sizeable teams in Finance, Estates and IT.
Kath provides strategic direction for all schools within the Trust. Her real passion lies in working with schools who are facing challenging circumstances.
Jenny Piper-Gale, Deputy CEO
Jenny joined Beauchamp College in 1998 as a Teacher of Biology with a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, and since then, has held numerous roles across the Trust including AST, SENCO, Head of Inclusion, as well as gaining extensive SLT experience including at Headship and Executive Headship Levels. Whilst working for the Trust Jenny has gained her Masters in Educational Leadership, Diploma in Special Educational Needs and both her NPQH and NPQEL.
Jenny has a wide range of experience of all areas of education with a particular interest in Holistic Development: inclusion, attendance and behaviour and Academic Excellence: curriculum design and improving attainment and progress at both secondary and primary level.
Jenny’s responsibilities include school improvement, intelligent use of data, curriculum design at both primary and secondary phase, whole Trust attendance, SEND provision, and admissions as well as line managing Executive Principals.
Kath Kelly CEO
Jenny Piper Gale Deputy CEO
Ben Jackson Chief Operating Officer
Sian Kalidoski Director of Marketing & Communications
Sadie Pollard Chief Finance Officer
Alex Petrie Director of Curriculum
Anne Lamb Director of People
Roger Taylor Director of Estates
Ben Jackson, Chief Operating Officer
Ben joined the Trust in April 2016 with 20 years’ experience delivering and supporting IT systems in all types of educational establishments, having previously worked for a large IT managed service provider with overall responsibility for educational IT services throughout the UK and Channel Islands.
Ben’s role at Lionheart includes full life cycle management of all IT systems and overseeing IT Support across the Trust as a centrally delivered service. As SIRO, Ben leads the Data Protection Team to ensure legal compliance. Ben also manages the Digital Design and Development Team for in-house software creation and digital content.
Sadie Pollard, Chief Finance Officer
From August 2024
Sadie began her financial career in audit at KPMG, progressing through a number of service sector organisations. She subsequently spent eight years working as Finance Director for a UK manufacturer, before joining Lionheart as Chief Finance Officer in August 2024.
A CIMA qualified accountant, with extensive strategic management and leadership experience, Sadie oversees the Trust’s finances and leads the finance team. Key responsibilities include supporting headteachers with their budget setting, monitoring and management, finance support for central services, capital accounting, due diligence processes and reporting to the Trust Board.
Roger Taylor, Director of Estates
With over 40 years’ experience working in different types of educational establishments, Roger worked for Leicestershire County Council before joining Beauchamp College. While at Beauchamp, Roger managed a £10 million master plan rebuild of the college site, before moving into a Trust-wide role as Director of Estates.
In his role at Lionheart, Roger leads on Trust-wide premises development, repairs & maintenance, compliance and health & safety, new build project delivery and school condition allowance funding.
Sian Kalidoski, Director of Marketing & Communications
Having started her career marketing government-led national adult education campaigns, CIPR-qualified Sian then gained 20 years’ marketing and communications experience in various private sector industries, before joining Lionheart in 2020.
At Lionheart, Sian’s responsibilities include admissions marketing for EYFS, KS3 and KS5; media relations; and internal communications.
Alex Petrie, Director of Curriculum
Trained English teacher, Alex, joined Beauchamp College in 2007, having subsequently held a variety of leadership positions including as Head of English, Assistant Principal in charge of data and assessment, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Standards and as Specialist Leader in Education for CPD. Alex has also worked closely in a trust capacity as Lionheart has grown.
Alex now manages a team of curriculum leaders and directors of learning, leading on strategy to devise, revise and refine both the academic curriculum and the personal development curriculum.
Anne Lamb, Director of People
From April 2024
Anne joined the Trust in April 2024 having worked in various senior HR roles at Loughborough University.
A Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Anne previously worked in HR for Social Services at Leicester City Council and has a Master's in Employment Law.
Anne leads HR across Lionheart schools and central Trust with a focus on identifying and developing strategic people priorities as well as delivering a high-quality HR service.
Additionally, we are fortunate to have a wider senior team with a strong range of skills which complement those of the Executive Team.
Damian Tomkiewicz, Head of IT
Oliver Willis, Head of Estates
Lauren Hackett, Head of Governance & Compliance
Richard Heppell, Director of Data & Exams
Lionheart is led by an Executive Team, each experienced in their field, ensuring the expert operational and educational direction of the trust."
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Other recognised gains/(losses):
BALANCE
SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024
Funds of the Academy
LIONHEART FINANCIALS 2023/24
£101.7m Total Income (incl. MER and NHL)
90% Invoices Paid within 30 Days
£227.23m Fixed Assets 18 days
Lionheart Educational Trust had a strong financial year. It achieved a clean audit in the autumn term of 2023-24 following completion of the 2023-24 accounts process. The schools have been supported and well managed in order for them to spend sensibly and prudently, with no schools falling into deficit.
A further two maintained schools joined the Trust towards the end of 2023-24 (Mercia in June and Newhall in July) and the two schools transitioned successfully within the Trust.
The focus in the year has been on standardising financial processes and introducing new systems at the new schools and continuing to review policies and processes for ongoing improvements, as well as tight control on spend and budget management. The processes and management of finances have flourished in the audited accounts and results, leaving the Trust in a healthy financial position.
Our accounts show the impact of the transfer of the two additional schools and we have recognised a net transfer of £5.5m, which includes reserve balances (fixed assets, pension, general).
The Trust has continued to respond to a challenging financial landscape, with under funded pay awards, high energy costs and lower than inflation increases in central government funding. The Trust has been actively managing budgets across the year, working closely with Headteachers and Operational leaders to ensure spending is kept within our available funds. Alongside careful financial management, the Trust has continued to invest in its people, the provision for students, and our capital and IT estate.
LIONHEART EDUCATIONAL TRUST
South Albion Street
Leicester LE1 6JL
0116 497 9330
www.lionhearttrust.org.uk
info@lionhearttrust.org.uk
Lionheart Educational Trust
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