King's Northway celebrate a new chapter as they join the Great Schools Trust

King’s Northway Primary Academy hosted a fantastic day of celebration on Wednesday 5th February, inviting parents, governors and senior members of the Great Schools Trust to join them in marking their transition into the trust family.

The morning began with a special ‘Sunflower Ceremony’, during which a representative from each year group passed a sunflower along a line, symbolising the journey the children will taking during their time at King’s Northway. The line of children began with the nursery’s youngest baby and ended with the eldest Year 6 pupil. The flower was then handed to school staff, including the school’s longest serving staff member Mrs Sudbury, followed by school governors and Great School Trust trustees.

The entire school then gathered round and erupted in excited applause as the Principal, Mr Matthew Hargreaves, cut a ribbon outside the main entrance to mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter.

The pupils and guests then made their way into the assembly hall, and the ceremony began with a poetry reading followed by a heartwarming speech from Matthew focussing on the significance of the school values. Matthew impressed upon the children the importance of having respect for one another, trusting in themselves and others, and persevering even through hard times.

The audience also heard from Shane Ierston, CEO of the Great Schools Trust, who further discussed the importance of values and expressed his delight regarding King’s Northway becoming a part of the trust. Shane stated: “Today, King’s Leadership Academy Northway begin their next chapter with the Great Schools Trust. Excellence is a habit—and habits shape destiny. Our pupils, proud in their new blue uniforms, stand ready to lead. This is a new step on their path to victory.”

Ted Roberts, Head of King’s Adventure, then explained to the children that they are now beginning their own King’s Adventure and will be taking part in a range of exciting outdoor activities and residentials during their time at the school. 

A talented group of pupils then performed a dance to The Script’s Hall of Fame, accompanied by the school choir. During the dance they approached the Chair of Governors, school Principal, and trust CEO to receive their signatures on a ceremonial ‘contract,’ signifying the beginning of the school’s relationship with the trust.

The pupils also took to the stage to form the shape of a tree, a hand and a sunflower, to mirror the new school badge and respectively represent growth, friendship, and togetherness.

The assembly culminated with singing, ribbon dancing, and the release of confetti cannons, before pupils returned to their classrooms to enjoy Great Schools Trust branded cupcakes.

Sylvia Donnelly, Chair of Governors, said of the day: “It was fantastic to come to the school on this bright and sunny day to celebrate this new chapter. The children clearly enjoyed themselves and behaved exceptionally well. The experience today certainly bodes well for the future.”

Matthew believed the launch day was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, stating: “Joining the children as they led our King's Northway launch, we were all filled with pride and quite emotional.  Seeing the excitement in the eyes of our children and staff showed what a long -awaited day this was.  Our launch showcased and celebrated our community history yet more importantly, its great future together as a family for pupils, parents and staff.”

King's Northway Primary Academy officially joined the Great Schools Trust on 1st February 2025, with children attending their first day at King's Northway on Monday 3rd February.