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STAR NEWS
Hamid Patel CBE knighted in Queen’s Birthday Honours
Star Academies Chief Executive, Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding services to education.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE has led Star Academies since its inception in 2010, with an unwavering commitment to raising the aspirations and improving the life chances of young people from the most disadvantaged communities. This vision has guided the philosophy of the trust under his leadership over the past decade. For a number of years, Star Academies has consistently been one of the highest-performing multi-academy trusts in England with some of the country’s top-performing schools. In the government’s most recent performance tables (2019), Star schools secured first, second and third places in the national rankings, with five schools in total in the top 15. The pursuit of educational excellence and the shared desire amongst Star Academies staff to achieve the very best outcome for pupils is deeply embedded throughout the trust’s work. Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, said: “This is a tribute for all those who have worked so hard at Star Academies whose care, diligence and passion continue to inspire young people and nurture tomorrow’s leaders. All those involved with our schools at every level – our talented teachers, and our supportive parents, governors and wider community – have made a telling contribution to the positive impact we have had on the lives of so many children and young people. “The last 16 months have arguably been the hardest that any of us working in education have experienced but we, like those across the sector, have continued to put our pupils first, prioritising their wellbeing and giving them the best academic, extra-curricular and social opportunities.” Kam Kothia DL, Chair of Star Academies, said: “On behalf of the Star family, we are extremely proud of (Mufti) Hamid Patel and congratulate him on his well-deserved knighthood. This prestigious honour is testimony to his dedicated leadership, selfless service and unfailing commitment to improving outcomes for our young people across the country. It is also an affirmation of the excellent work that is continually undertaken across Star schools nationally and within the central team. This is a tribute for all those who have worked so hard at Star Academies whose care, diligence and passion continue to inspire young people and nurture tomorrow’s leaders.”
SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE
“We know that this recognition does not signal the completion of Star’s work. It will redouble our mission to nurture today’s young people and inspire tomorrow’s leaders.”
New Year Honour for trailblazing Star Executive Principal
New Year brought extra cause for celebration at Star Academies after Asiyah Ravat, Executive Principal at Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham, was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Asiyah was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to education in recognition of her longstanding career in education, during which she has helped to lead change and improve outcomes for thousands of pupils. Asiyah has worked in secondary education for nearly three decades; first as a classroom teacher then as a Head of Science, before working for Birmingham Education Authority as a Science Adviser, supporting underperforming schools across Birmingham. After playing a leading role in the transformation of a Birmingham secondary school from one of the poorest performing in the country to Ofsted ‘outstanding’ status, Asiyah joined Star Academies in 2014 when she was appointed Principal of Eden Girls’ School, Coventry. She worked to successfully open the school in September 2014. Soon after, Asiyah was also responsible for opening Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham in September 2015 and then, Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East in September 2018. In her current role as Executive Principal, Asiyah oversees a network of Birmingham schools. Both Eden Girls’ School, Coventry and Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham have been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. On learning of her OBE, Asiyah paid tribute to her late father, who had encouraged her to study and work hard and to not allow her gender to be a barrier to higher education and achievement. Thanks to his support, Asiyah was inspired to aim high and achieved a 1st Class Honours degree in Chemistry from Queen Mary University of London.
Star schools to share expertise in new national training scheme
Three high-performing Star Academies secondary schools will provide professional training and development to teachers and school leaders as part of a new national scheme.
Eden Boys’ School, Bolton, Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS) and Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College (TIGHS) in Blackburn have been designated as Teaching School Hubs by the Department for Education (DfE). Eden Boys’ School, Bolton will offer development and training to staff at schools in Bolton, Bury and Rochdale. TIGHS will support schools in Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Hyndburn, Pendle, the Ribble Valley and Rossendale, and TIBHS will provide training to schools in Blackpool, Lancaster, Wyre and Preston. The new Teaching School Hubs will deliver a school-led approach to the professional development of teachers at all stages of their careers in a bid to improve the retention and recruitment of teachers and to raise the outcomes for children and young people.
BLACKPOOL
Together, the three Star Academies schools will offer support to more than 800 schools in the North West. Training and development provision at the new Teaching School Hubs will be led by Star’s professional development arm, Star Institute.
LANCASTER
WYRE
PRESTON
The DfE’s new Teaching School Hub programme has created a national infrastructure of 87 centres of excellence for teacher training and professional development, which replaces the previous network of Teaching Schools.
RIBBLE VALLEY
PENDLE
HYND -BURN BURNLEY
BLACKBURN DARWEN ROSSENDALE
BOLTON BURY ROCHDALE
Star Institute celebrates success of West Midlands training hub
Star Institute is celebrating the successful first year of its Star Teachers West Midlands hub with its first cohort of trainees and teacher apprentices all on track to be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
To date, over 25 trainees have been recruited for the 2021-22 cohort. Star Teachers will continue to welcome provider-led application up until mid-August. During the next academic year, Star Teachers will also provide the Teacher Apprenticeship in partnership with Birmingham City Council. The West Midlands hub has already developed partnerships across the region so that trainees and apprentices can experience a diverse and high-quality school-based training provision. The Star Teachers programme, which is delivered through Star Institute, provides industry leading pathways into teaching. The programme aims to give every teacher the best possible chance to become an outstanding teacher. Outstanding teaching delivers outstanding outcomes – Star Academies’ ultimate goal for its own schools and for the whole school system. Training with Star has been excellent. There’s a real sense of community amongst the trainees and there’s always someone you can reach out to for support or to share good practice with. My mentor has been very supportive and is very knowledgeable about pedagogy and its particular application to my subject. The entire course has been incredibly well structured and the Star Institute team have been excellent in helping to prepare me for a career in teaching.
ADAM PERKS
Biology teacher trainee at Eden Boys’ School, Birmingham
With some trepidation, I jumped at the chance to return to education and pursue qualified teacher status through a Postgraduate Teaching Apprenticeship. I felt it was important that I was able to set an example to my children by demonstrating how to be determined and ambitious about what you can achieve, at whatever stage of your life. For me, Star Teachers’ Teacher Apprentice route was ideal and flexible. I didn’t want to leave my job to train, and this was perfect. I could stay at the school where I enjoyed working and train with people I already knew. I’m incredibly grateful to have received such wonderful support.
ROMAIZA NASEEM
Apprentice teacher
School-Led Network to deliver professional qualification scheme
A reformed suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), designed to support the development of teachers, is set to commence in November. The new NPQs will help educators to develop their knowledge and skills in school leadership and specialist areas of teaching practice.
Star Institute will be working alongside five leading educational organisations - as part of The School-Led Network - to deliver the new suite of NPQs to teachers and leaders.
The reformed NPQs will provide leaders with the opportunity to train and receive qualifications in specialist areas of practice, including leading teacher development, leading teaching and leading behaviour and culture, and to progress their leadership journey into headship and executive headship. The newly formed School-Led Network comprises Harris Leadership College, North East Teaching Schools Partnership (NETSP) including Newcastle University, Outwood Institute of Education and Star Institute.
Together, these organisations share a vision of a school-led system with a culture of professional learning within and between schools that drives school improvement and ensures that all pupils can achieve beyond expectations. The School-Led Network is one of nine providers that have been selected to deliver the new NPQs nationwide.
Plans for two new Star secondary schools are approved
Star Academies has received approval from the Department for Education (DfE) to open two new non-faith secondary schools in Wolverhampton and Radcliffe in Greater Manchester as part of the government’s free schools programme.
Star Leadership Academy, Wolverhampton will provide pupils with a high-quality education to enable them to succeed academically and fulfil their potential. Star Leadership Academy, Radcliffe will help to meet the needs of Radcliffe’s growing population and contribute towards the town’s regeneration. Both secondary schools, which are expected to open in 2024, will serve young people aged 11-16. Each school will offer a broad and balanced academic curriculum along with a diverse leadership programme to inspire pupils to engage in charitable activity and social action.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive at Star Academies, said:
We are delighted to be opening two new secondary schools, which will give the young people of Radcliffe and Wolverhampton the opportunity to receive a first-rate education. “Star Academies has a long track-record of running top-performing schools. Our schools are committed to creating an environment where pupils are able to achieve their very best academically and personally. “We are looking forward to ensuring that both new schools sit at the very heart of the local community. We aim to create schools that benefit not just today’s young people but future generations too, enabling them to grow, prosper and succeed.”
Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy joins the Star family
Rainbow Primary Leadership Academy in Bradford is the latest school to join the Star family. The school transferred from Rainbow Schools Trust – a single academy trust - to Star Academies in July, following an extensive consultation process.
The 420-place school, for pupils aged 4 – 11, is located on Nelson Street in the Broomfields area of Bradford.
The decision to join Star Academies was the outcome of ongoing discussions between Rainbow Schools Trust, the school Governing Body, and the Regional Schools Commissioner to identify a suitable multi-academy trust to support the school to achieve excellence in all areas. As a large, high performing multi-academy trust with a significant presence in Bradford, Star is able to bring considerable levels of resources that schools standing alone cannot enjoy. The school is currently graded ‘good’ by Ofsted and Star will work with the school to help develop and further enhance the quality of its education provision.
Star celebrates opening of four new school sites
Three Star schools in Birmingham and one in Preston are celebrating the opening of their new, permanent school sites.
The four purpose-built sites will give pupils access to outstanding facilities in environments that are tailored to ensuring every pupil is able to achieve their very best. The new Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham site, which is located on Hob Moor Road in Small Heath, will provide pupils with a new and modern 48,000 square foot campus. Pupils will benefit from modern teaching classrooms, featuring the latest technology, with specialist rooms for science, art, food technology, creative arts and ICT. The school is also home to outstanding sports facilities, including a sports hall, 3G multigames pitches and an artificial grass pitch. The new Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East site is located on Alum Rock Road. Pupils will be educated in state-of-the-art facilities including specialist rooms for food technology and ICT as well as well-equipped contemporary science laboratories. Externally, pupils can enjoy a reflection garden, a new hard play area, a MUGA, and a field area with full size and 7-aside pitches. 4-miles south, The Olive School, Birmingham’s new permanent site will ensure pupils have access to excellent facilities to support their future education and growth. The new school, which is located on Reddings Lane, provides its young pupils with access to 21 modern classrooms, a specialist multimedia room for food technology, science and art, several group rooms, a large multi-use hall and a library. The school also has a reflection room to facilitate prayer and an ablutions room. Pupils at the primary school will also benefit from exceptional outdoor facilities, including a multi-games pitch, a sensory garden - which pupils helped to design - and a special play area for Reception pupils. Thanks to a new school kitchen, the school will be able to provide on-site catering for pupils and staff for the very first time. The new site for The Olive School, Preston, which is located on Vicarage Lane in Fulwood, will provide its young pupils with access to increased space, modern classrooms, and a large multi-use hall. Pupils will also benefit from excellent outdoor facilities including a large playground, a sports field, a gardening area and peace garden. This new school site is also home to a new school kitchen.
Pupils and staff from across all four schools are enjoying the experience of working and learning in their outstanding tailormade facilities, which they say are already beginning to support improved learning outcomes.
Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham
The Olive School, Birmingham Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham
Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Birmingham East
World Book Day celebrations filled with imagination and joy
Pupils across Star schools celebrated World Book Day 2021 with an enormous splash of creativity, culture and colour.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools to the majority of pupils meant that this year’s World Book Day was a little different.
But thanks to the ingenuity of pupils, parents and staff, the annual celebration of reading was awash with colourful costumes and daring tales of adventure. Staff and pupils shared their favourite stories dressed as Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit, Gangsta Granny and other much-loved fictional characters from classic children’s books. Alongside the fun of dressing up, teachers also ensured that activities were filled with learning opportunities. The pupils at Eden Girls’ School, Slough were treated to a weeklong celebration with virtual visits from prestigious authors who shared their tips and tricks for writing novels. Carnegie awardwinning author, Tim Bowler, talked to Key Stage 4 pupils about the secrets of being a successful author and gave an inspiring speech on resilience. Critically-acclaimed author of young adult fiction, Holly Bourne, also spoke to pupils and discussed the importance of protecting mental health and wellbeing as a writer.
At Highfield Leadership Academy, during tutor time pupils and staff participated in a ‘masked reader’ challenge. Several staff members read extracts from their favourite book, whilst disguised by a mask – inspired by the Masked Singer television show.
At The Olive School, Small Heath, pupils took part in an exciting series of World Book Day workshops where they had the opportunity to join a star-studded cast of authors, illustrators and hosts, including Alex Bellos and Ben Lyttleton (Football School), Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers and many others. Pupils were also treated to a live, virtual bedtime story event, where they dressed in pyjamas and enjoyed a hot chocolate whilst listening to a bedtime story. Staff at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy recorded a special re-telling of The Sorting Hat chapter from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for pupils and parents to enjoy. Pupils also dressed up as their favourite characters and participated in themed activities throughout the day. Many pupils’ highlight of the day was designing their own giant, inspired by the Roald Dahl classic BFG. The young pupils at The Olive School, Hackney took part in a ‘Crazy Reading’ competition where pupils were tasked with finding unique places to enjoy a book. Pupils shared pictures of themselves reading among fish tanks, behind stacks of toilet roll and in rabbit enclosures to bring a little inspiration to their reading. The World Book Day celebrations are just one part of the Star Academies’ commitment to encouraging a passion for reading amongst pupils. Pupils attending Star schools benefit from the Star Readers scheme, which aims to promote the joys of reading. Experienced staff have searched through the best of contemporary and classic literature to provide a recommended reading list for each year group. Books have been hand-picked to give pupils a window into other people’s worlds, promote discussion and build reading resilience.
Eden Girls’ pupils share passion for reading with Duchess of Cornwall
Pupils at Eden Girls’ School, Coventry participated in a special celebration of literacy attended by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall.
The event was held at Coventry’s Central Library as part of the city’s year as the UK City of Culture.
Her Royal Highness had a tour of the library, hearing all about its past as an entertainment venue and how it now engages with all the city’s communities to ensure reading is available to all. The Duchess of Cornwall met with Year 10 pupils from Eden Girls’ School, Coventry who presented her with posters they had created to celebrate the impact of reading on young teenagers. Pupils also discussed their favourite books with The Duchess and told her how these books had helped to stimulate their interest in reading. In turn, the Duchess, said she had always been an avid reader and has a longstanding fondness for the book, Jane Eyre.
Teachers say that The Duchess praised pupils’ eloquence and that the meeting was a memory pupils would cherish forever.
Teachers’ pandemic efforts celebrated at No 10 reception
Teachers at Bay Leadership Academy received a very special invitation to attend a reception with the Prime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street.
Two teachers from the school were selected to attend the reception, which was held to thank school staff for their exceptional efforts as part of the national pandemic response.
Mrs Rogerson, Vice Principal at Bay Leadership Academy, represented the school for its excellent work in the local community. Throughout the pandemic, staff and pupils at the school worked hard to make and deliver face masks to local nursing homes, local businesses and people in the local community. Staff at the school also delivered food and hygiene parcels, and treat packs for NHS workers and local residents. Food was also prepared and cooked for the homeless and ‘pop up hubs’ to offer welfare checks for the school’s most vulnerable pupils were established in the heart of the community.
Mrs Worthington, Head of Maths, was selected to represent the school for the tireless work of all staff in ensuring every pupil has access to quality online learning and ensuring the most vulnerable pupils have laptops in their homes. Around 20 teachers from across the country attended the gathering, where the Prime Minister spoke to teachers about their experiences of the pandemic. Mrs Rogerson told the Prime Minister about the importance of keeping pupils in school, the increase in pupils with mental health concerns and how the school had supported the local community. Mrs Rogerson and Mrs Worthington said they felt honoured to have represented the teaching staff at Bay at the garden party. Mr Mathew Hood who is Chair of Governors at Bay Leadership Academy also received an invite to Downing Street in his capacity of Principal of the Oak National Academy, which provided high quality lessons in all subjects for all ages through the pandemic.
Star Academies joins forces with Eton College to open sixth form colleges
Star Academies has signed a landmark partnership agreement with Eton College with the intent to open three selective sixth form colleges in the state sector in the next five years.
Proposed to be located in the Midlands and North of England, the colleges will fast-track young people, often living in areas of deprivation, to the most academic UK universities. It will do this by blending Star Academies’ approach of delivering educational excellence with Eton’s educational philosophy, which includes a rigorous and academic curriculum.
SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE
The colleges will be inspired by the hugely successful London Academy of Excellence (LAE) in East London, of which Eton is a partner. Last year LAE pupils received 37 offers to Oxford and Cambridge. The new colleges will admit 240 students each per year and will offer many of the educational and extra-curricular opportunities available to pupils at Eton College itself, including knowledgerich teaching from some of the country’s most respected subject-specialists, access to talks from high-profile speakers, academic essay prizes and debate clubs and Oxbridge-style tutorial sessions.
Some of these students’ teaching will be delivered virtually by Eton staff and students from the new colleges will have a chance to attend Eton College annually for a Summer School. The new colleges will be part of Star Academies and will focus their recruitment on young people on free school meals, in receipt of pupil premium, or who live in areas of deprivation. Eton will make a significant and ongoing financial contribution that will allow for the enhanced curriculum and the provision of enrichment opportunities. The first college is planned to open in September 2024 with others to follow shortly thereafter. Both Star and Eton believe that their unprecedented partnership represents a ground-breaking example of state and independent sector collaboration; and one that will not only benefit those attending these new colleges but will also provide new and exciting opportunities for students and teachers at Star’s existing family of schools and at Eton. Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies said: “This is a fantastically exciting moment for both our organisations. Eton bringing its approach to education to disadvantaged communities, allied to our own successful ethos,
has the potential to be transformative for both the students who will attend but also the wider civic lives of the towns and cities in which our new colleges will open. Our mission has always been to change lives for the better and give young people the best opportunities – this partnership will further help us achieve that.”
Eton Head Master Simon Henderson said: “When Eton announced in May 2020 our intention to set up these new sixth form colleges, we knew that finding the right partner could ensure that the project was greater than the sum of its parts. When speaking to Star it became immediately clear that, while our contexts may be different, we have a shared educational ethos and vision and I am confident that by working together we can deliver outstanding educational opportunities and outcomes to young people in these communities, which will surpass what either organisation could have achieved on our own.”
GAVIN WILLIAMSON
Eton Provost Lord William Waldegrave said: “Since King Henry VI founded Eton in 1440 to provide free education to 70 poor boys, Eton has long sought out ways to broaden our reach, to ensure that as many young people as possible can enjoy the benefits of our educational philosophy. I believe firmly that this partnership with Star is simply a new and exciting development in this long and proud history.” Star Academies Chair of Trustees Kam Kothia DL said: “Star Academies has always been deeply committed to enhancing social mobility and seeking out new and exciting ways to change educational outcomes in the communities that we serve. We also believe in the power of partnership, and learning from other organisations. This unique partnership with Eton is a prime example of both.” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I’m delighted to see Star Academies join forces with Eton College to focus on providing exciting opportunities for pupils. Our best schools can lead the way in driving up standards across the country, and it’s fantastic to see a leading trust like Star working to expand its reach even further into local communities, supported by the resources and expertise of one of the world’s top independent schools, to transform the life chances of young people. “Projects like these, building on the network of excellent free schools around the country, can help level up opportunities for so many children and families and I wish the teams all the best as they begin the process of turning this pioneering idea into a reality.”
Spirited Art challenge inspires reflection during holy month
In April, the holy month of Ramadhaan was observed by Muslims worldwide as a time to fast, pray, reflect and to serve the local community. Across Star’s faith schools, pupils were invited to take part in a special activity to inspire reflection - the Spirited Art Competition.
The competition aimed to draw on the comfort, reaffirmation, solace and hope that people often find in the expression of spirituality. The theme of the competition was The Month of the Qur’aan. Pupils were asked to research and find a short verse from the Qur’aan that offers inspiration, hope and speaks to them on a spiritual level. Pupils were then tasked with producing a piece of art, a poem, picture or sculpture to represent the verse. Throughout Ramadhaan, Star’s faith schools’ Twitter feeds were filled with pupils’ beautiful expressions of art and spirituality. Hundreds of pupils produced inspiring pieces of art which reflected a sense of peace, creativity and community throughout the holy month. Muhammad Ibrahim Ali, who won the EYFS category, created a beautiful artwork depicting the passage in the Qur’aan that describes how saving one person’s life is equivalent to saving the lives of all mankind. Key Stage 2 winners, Maryam and Ibrahim Matadar used drama skills to produce a wonderful video, which explored themes of how the Almighty loves those who carry out good deeds. Key Stage 4 winner, Mareeha Khan channelled her passion for art to depict the theme of guidance and solace that she finds in the words of the Qur’aan. Throughout Ramadhaan, schools donated gifts of food hampers to local community groups and emergency service workers as part of their iftar activities. Iftar is the evening meal where Muslims end their daily fast at sundown. Local communities are often invited into our faith schools to take part in the breaking of the fast meal. This year, however, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant that schools have had to adapt their activities and to reach out to their local communities in new ways. The holy month of Ramadhaan is an important opportunity for our extended faith school communities to demonstrate service and compassion and to contribute to a kind and peaceful society for the benefit of all.
Science Week - an ‘explosion’ of discovery for Star pupils
Pupils celebrated British Science Week with a fun-filled week of exciting investigation and discovery.
From designing artificial intelligence robots and going on a virtual mission to Mars, to learning about the development of the Covid-19 vaccine and celebrating the work of pioneering women in science, pupils were encouraged to develop their love of science through a range of inspiring activities. Pupils also put their scientific knowledge to the test in a special trust-wide competition designed to unite pupils in their celebration of science. Thousands of pupils across the trust’s primary and secondary schools created mini ecosystems and strategies to consider real world environmental problems as part of the Star Innovator Challenges. The challenges, which were open to all pupils who attend a Star Academies school, aimed to encourage pupils to think innovatively about the world and how science and technology could help to improve the quality of life for future generations. Younger pupils, in Reception and Key Stage 1, investigated ecosystems though the Detective Glow Worm challenge. Pupils discovered the importance of ecosystems by exploring the interactions between organisms and using this information to create a mini bug world, model or story. Key Stage 2 pupils took part in a Wildlife Wonderland challenge where they learnt about the life that exists in our gardens and green spaces, and discovered the importance of our diverse ecosystem in supporting life on the planet. Pupils had the opportunity to create a mini ecosystem, bug hotel or bug model to share their exciting discoveries.
I thought the quality of the entries was really great. It was wonderful to be able to see the work of these talented young people and to play a part in hopefully encouraging them towards careers in science.”
DR RICHARD BARKER
Pupils in Key Stage 3 and 4 took part in the Emission Eraser project, which challenged pupils to investigate the cost of human impact on the planet and within their local community. Pupils developed a strategy that considered real world environmental problems and investigated how science and technology could provide solutions to those issues. Dr Richard Barker, an eminent astrobiologist who works with NASA exploring methods of cultivating plants in space, used his expertise to help judge entries. During British Science Week, a video of Dr Barker was also shared with schools in which he discussed his work and his role with NASA, and answered questions from pupils.
MASTER CLASSES IN SCIENCE
Star’s commitment to ensuring pupils receive the very best education possible has meant that throughout lockdown and beyond, pupils have received additional support to ensure their continued progress in the sciences. Pupils in Years 10 and 11 were given the opportunity to attend a range of exciting online masterclasses which aimed to stimulate their interest in the sciences. Pupils heard from guest speakers on subjects as diverse as knee injuries and the latest scientific techniques to promote recovery to recent developments in the field of neuroscience.
Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy celebrated in ceremony at Eden Girls’ Manchester
Pupils from Eden Girls’ Leadership Academy, Manchester took part in a special ceremony to celebrate the legacy of HRH Prince Philip The Duke of Edinburgh.
Pupils from Year 9 and 10 were invited by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sir Warren James Smith, to plant a tree in the grounds of the school on what would have been The Duke’s 100th birthday. Around the base of the tree, 65 bluebell seeds were planted to represent 65 years since the launch of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE Award). The event was attended by special guests of honour, including Deputy Lieutenant Professor Erinma Bell MBE JP representing the Lord Lieutenant’s Office and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester, Cllr Donna Ludford. The school was selected to take part in the ceremony from amongst thousands of schools across the north of England thanks to its commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards scheme. Each year, pupils at the school participate in the Award, which encourages young people to push their boundaries in a series of challenges designed to test their fitness, develop new skills and help their local community. Following the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in April, pupils from the school were interviewed extensively by the national media, including live on BBC and ITV news and current affairs shows and by the Daily Telegraph. The pupils shared their reflections on the Duke’s legacy and spoke passionately about their personal experiences of the DofE Award scheme. Star Academies schools have a long-established track record of pupils taking part in the DofE Awards, with hundreds of pupils having successfully completed a Gold DofE Award. The awards’ ethos of self-challenge to enable personal growth strongly reflects the trust’s own values and commitment to developing fully rounded individuals.
Deputy Lieutenant Professor Erinma Bell MBE JP (pictured left) was one of the guests of honour.
Star grows its expert team with key governance appointments
Star Academies has expanded its family of trustees and members to ensure that it continues to benefit from an experienced and knowledgeable governance team.
The new appointments will help to ensure that Star Academies continues its longstanding track record of success, whilst also maintaining its clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE has joined as a member, and Major General David Eastman MBE, Mark Hageman and Gareth Stevens have joined Star as trustees.
Listed by The Times as one of Britain’s most influential women, Dame Julia Cleverdon DCVO CBE became a member at the trust in January 2021. She has gained an international reputation for inspiring individuals and organisations to work together for the common good. After graduating with a history degree from Newnham College, Cambridge, Dame Julia began her working life in 1972 and since then has occupied roles for a variety of forward-thinking and culturally-impactful organisations. From 1991 to 2008, she served as the Chief Executive of Business in the Community working closely with HRH The Prince of Wales. Dame Julia has also served as Special Adviser to The Prince’s Charities where her efforts were focused on disadvantaged communities across the country to build a more robust civil society. Other notable roles Dame Julia has occupied include Chair of Teach First from 2006 to 2014 and co-founder of the #iwill Campaign, also known as Step Up To Serve. Currently, Dame Julia is Chair of the National Literacy Trust. She is also a board member of the Careers and Enterprise Company. Major General David Eastman MBE was appointed a trustee in March 2021. He was commissioned into the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1989 and served in Hong Kong, Nepal, Germany, the Falkland Islands and across the UK. Major General Eastman was made an MBE following the first UK deployment to Helmand in 2006, during which he was employed as the Deputy Chief of Staff, 16 Air Assault Brigade. From an international perspective, he has been the Military Assistant to a German 4-star NATO commander, commanded a globally-deployed Defence Engagement-focused logistic brigade and commanded the UN multi-national contingent on a number of exercises in South Korea. Major General Eastman General Officer Commanding Regional became Command in February 2020.
Mark Hageman, who was appointed trustee in November 2020, is a Partner at Linklaters LLP in London and his primary area of practice is corporate finance. At Linklaters, Mark has been involved in The Access Project and the Mentoring Works program with students from schools in London. He has been a member of the Local Governing Body at The Olive School, Hackney since 2017. Outside of Linklaters, Mark has a keen interest in education policy, particularly for children in primary and secondary schools, including providing students with enrichment opportunities in areas such as out-of-class reading, extracurricular activities such as debate and sports, and outside mentoring and post-secondary education and career exploration. Gareth Stevens, the Chief Executive of Inspiration Trust, has also joined the Board of Trustees as a co-opted trustee. Gareth has been a part of the Inspiration Trust for the last seven years. Previously, he was the Principal of Hethersett Academy in Norfolk and successfully turned the school around from ‘special measures’ to ‘outstanding’ within two years. Under his leadership, Hethersett Academy became one of the top performing schools in the region. Gareth was also formerly the Secondary Director responsible for the strategic leadership, management and outcomes for pupils at nine secondary schools and sixth forms across the East of England.
Star Academies wins prestigious Pearson award
Star Academies has been awarded a prestigious national award in recognition of its monumental efforts to support learners and the community during lockdown.
The trust was honoured to receive the Pearson National Teaching Silver Award in The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support category. The award aims to celebrate schools and individuals who have stepped up to support others despite the extraordinary challenges presented by lockdown. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the Star family actively sought-out opportunities to alleviate the suffering of people who had been affected by the pandemic. Star Family Hubs were established in 13 towns and cities nationwide to support vulnerable children and key workers’ children, by providing on-site education during lockdown, and by looking after their wellbeing and that of their families and the local community. Star used school kitchens to cook 100,000 hot meals for hungry neighbours and homeless people. Schools also provided 7,500 families with weekly food parcels and also delivered 10,000 hygiene packs and 2,500 stationery items. Star staff and pupils manufactured 13,500 high-quality items of PPE for key workers. Star Academies serves communities in areas that have been particularly hard hit by Covid-19. With around 20% of Star pupils having lost members of their immediate or extended family during the pandemic, the Star team felt it was essential that they provided enhanced, personalised pastoral support to its pupils. At least once a week, all pupils received individual phone calls from their school, and for many pupils these were more frequent. Star also trained 135 mental health first aiders across schools to support pupils suffering from anxiety and depression. The wellbeing of pupils was further supported by the training of 100 pastoral staff in the field of bereavement support. The disruption of the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns posed a serious risk to pupils’ education. Star emphasised continuity of high-quality learning throughout the pandemic. Pupils received live streamed lessons on a daily basis in all subjects so that they continued to make progress. Around 5,000 devices (laptops and tablets) were loaned to pupils so that they could easily access their learning at home. Pupils and parents told schools that they were highly impressed by the quality of their remote learning. By winning the Silver Award, Star Academies has been shortlisted to win one of only 15 Gold Awards later in the year. The Gold Award winners will be announced in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC. The programme will celebrate exceptional trusts, schools and staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country. The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 22nd year of celebrating award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across the UK.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
This award is a wonderful celebration of our dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly throughout lockdown and beyond. Many Star schools are located in areas of deprivation which have been seriously affected by the pandemic. As a consequence, our teaching and support staff have worked with enormous commitment to ensure that pupils remain safe and well and are able to continue to access an excellent education.
“The pandemic has demonstrated that despite recent adversity, the Star family is united in its desire to achieve the very best outcomes for pupils. We want our pupils to emerge from these difficult times thriving and ready to seize the many opportunities that await them as they begin the next chapter of their lives.”
Pupils spread hope on National Day of Reflection
In March, pupils and staff from across the Star family united for the National Day of Reflection. The day was an opportunity for communities to collectively mourn the thousands of people who had died during the Covid-19 pandemic and to reflect on the lessons that have been learnt during this difficult year.
As clocks struck twelve noon on the anniversary of the first nationwide lockdown, a sombre silence fell across Star schools. Pupils and staff paid silent tribute to the many thousands of lives that had been prematurely lost during the pandemic. Many of the trust’s pupils had experienced the death of a loved-one during lockdown and, where face-to-face support networks were no longer accessible, pupils relied increasingly on the comfort of their school community. This past year has demonstrated that the care and kindness inherent in the Star family is of paramount importance to us all.
From the depths of this national tragedy, pupils and staff reflected on the long journey they had already travelled and the strength with which they had overcome challenges. On the National Day of Reflection, they used their incredible fortitude to spread messages of hope which aimed to inspire their local communities to look ahead to brighter times. Pupils at Highfield Leadership sent 650 cards and 400 flower pictures filled with heartfelt messages to offer support to those who had experienced loss or faced trauma as a result of the pandemic. The messages were sent to more than 30 care homes and 20 community groups, including local charities, Blackpool’s emergency services staff and local residents suffering social isolation. At Eden Boys’ Leadership Academy, Bradford, pupils planted seeds of hope and other flowering bulbs in the school grounds to serve as a lasting reminder of their experiences and to inspire hope for future generations of pupils at the school. For the pupils at The Olive School, Small Heath, the National Day of Reflection provided an opportunity to reflect on the strength of their community, which had flourished despite the barriers of lockdown and social distancing. Pupils created paper chains decorated with people standing hand in hand, which were displayed around the school to symbolise friendship and togetherness. The National Day of Reflection was a chance for the Star family to pause and pay respects, but to also look towards the future with hope. This past year has demonstrated that our schools are home to strong and vibrant communities and our experiences throughout these difficult times will help us to shape a brighter and more positive future.
Teachers across Star Academies’ schools were celebrated for their hard work and commitment to pupils’ education as part of National Thank a Teacher Day.
Each year on National Thank a Teacher Day, Star Academies celebrates its teachers and staff and thanks them for their tremendous efforts as they support pupils, schools and their local communities.
From delivering live lessons remotely and prioritising pupils’ emotional wellbeing, to setting up foodbanks and distributing essential items to vulnerable people, staff have gone above and beyond during an incredibly challenging year to ensure pupils’ academic progress remained at the fore.
In recognition of their inspiring dedication to nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders, members of staff received a special letter of thanks from Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, thanking them for providing unwavering support to pupils, parents and colleagues alongside extending their support beyond the classroom and deep into their communities. In addition, a selection of treats were gifted to schools for staff to enjoy as a token of appreciation for the huge difference they have made to the lives of thousands of people in the Star family. Star pupils across the country created surprise video messages of thanks for their teachers as part of the celebrations. The personal touch from pupils illustrates the impact of their teachers’ continuous assistance, kindness and selflessness.
The day brought extra cause for celebration as the collective efforts of all at Star Academies were recognised by the prestigious Pearson National Teaching Awards. The trust was awarded the Pearson National Teaching Silver Award in The Lockdown Hero Award for Learner and Community Support category. The accolade highlights the sheer breadth, quality and impact of Star’s response to the pandemic.
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel CBE, Chief Executive of Star Academies, said:
We are extremely grateful to our wonderful teachers and staff who show endless commitment to improving the lives of our young people. Despite another increasingly challenging year, they have worked tirelessly to ensure pupils continue to benefit from the best possible education provision, whether remote or onsite. “Our colleagues across the Star Family always go the extra mile in service of others. From fundraisers and foodbanks to various other charity campaigns, they are selfless in extending their help to our communities.
