National Recognition for Our Commitment to Staff Development

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National Recognition for Our Commitment to Staff Development

We are proud to announce that we have been shortlisted for the 2026 MAT Excellence award for Staff Development (1-12 schools). “Staff development at Pontefract Academies Trust has been transformed into a culture where learning, wellbeing and growth are woven into their every day. Through initiatives including their Everyday Development model, three development days, succession planning, and professional learning hub, they have created personalised development, strengthened retention, built leadership pipelines, and achieved high engagement and satisfaction.” The MAT Excellence Awards celebrate excellence and impact across multi-academy trusts, and the Staff Development award highlights trusts that provide exceptional opportunities for colleagues to… Read more

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Reindeer Runs: Supporting the Prince of Wales Hospice

This year, PAT schools proudly took part in the annual Reindeer Run, raising funds for the incredible Prince of Wales Hospice. The charity holds a special place within our Trust, and we were delighted to, once again, support them over the Christmas period. One of PAT’s core values is that we are Stronger as One. By coming together to support local charities that serve our community with such dedication, we strengthen the very communities we are part of. We are thrilled to share that, across December 2025, we raised an incredible £11,565.75 across the Trust. These funds will help The… Read more

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New Teaching Block Recognised at Pontefract Design Awards 2025

We are proud to announce that we have won the Environmental Sustainability Award at the Pontefract Civic Society Design Awards 2025. This award recognises projects that demonstrate a strong focus on environmental impact, social responsibility and economic performance, with clear links to the wellbeing of people and the planet. The award celebrates our new teaching block, which opened in September 2025, and marks a real milestone for our school and the wider community. It represents a meaningful investment in education and opportunity for the young people of Pontefract, now and for generations to come. The new building was designed with… Read more

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Pontefract Academies Trust Commemorate Remembrance Day

This week, pupils and staff across Pontefract Academies Trust have honoured the annual Remembrance period through a wide range of events and activities, both within and beyond school. Pontefract Remembrance Day Parade On Sunday, representatives from across our schools took part in a parade at Pontefract’s War Memorial. Spencer and Isla, Head Boy and Head Girl from Northfield Primary School, laid a wreath on behalf of their school. Two pupil ambassadors from The Rookeries Junior, Infant & Nursery School delivered readings during the church service, representing their school with pride and respect. Many other pupils and staff attended, paying tribute… Read more

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Top 10 in the country for staff feedback – Edurio Staff Survey

We’re proud to be part of Pontefract Academies Trust, which was recognised with the Trust Value Award for Excellence in the 2025 Edurio Awards – placing us among the top 10 performing trusts nationally, based on staff feedback. Edurio is a national education survey platform used by over 1,300 schools across the UK. They help organisations to gather honest, anonymous feedback, providing insights into everything from culture and wellbeing to leadership and pupil behaviour. Pontefract Academies Trust achieved fantastic results in the survey, with 85% of staff across the Trust saying they would recommend it as a good place to… Read more

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Carleton High School Celebrates Official Opening of New Building

As part of the government’s flagship School Rebuilding Programme, Carleton High School has proudly unveiled its brand-new, purpose-built teaching block – replacing some of the school’s previous teaching buildings. The new building offers modern facilities to support a high-quality education for current and future students. Students and staff will benefit from modern classrooms and science labs, creative technology spaces and high spec computing suites. The new teaching block was officially opened on Friday 26 September by Yvette Cooper MP, with guests including Julian Appleyard OBE (CEO of Pontefract Academies Trust), Mrs Shaheen Shariff, (Headteacher) Head Girl, Head Boy, parents, Trustees,… Read more

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Carleton High School Open Evening

Carleton High School are delighted to invite prospective students and their families to our upcoming Open Evening on Thursday 2nd October, 5pm until 7.30pm. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and parents/carers to meet our staff, explore our facilities, and to discover what makes our school community so special. Event Highlight Be among the first to experience Carleton High School’s brand-new, state-of-the-art school building. Discover cutting-edge science laboratories designed to spark curiosity and innovation, get hands-on in our modern technology and engineering workshops, and explore our fully equipped IT suite built for digital learning. Don’t miss: Headteacher talks by… Read more

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GCSE success across Pontefract Academies Trust

Students at Carleton High School and The King’s School are celebrating another year of fantastic GCSE results. Pupils from across both schools achieved excellent grades, reflecting their hard work and determination to succeed. Alongside these impressive results are the inspiring success stories of students who have been recognised not just for their results, but in the way they have overcome challenges: Olivia from The King’s School achieved eleven Grade 9s. Her commitment to her studies and positive attitude to learning are a testament to both herself and The King’s School. Olivia will now go on to study Maths, Further Maths,… Read more

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Stronger as One: 80+ staff members take part in Pontefract 10K

This weekend, more than 80 of our staff members took part in the Pontefract 10K, all in support of Oliver’s Army, a cause close to the hearts of our school community. Oliver, the son of one of our teachers, is currently facing a second battle with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer. What started as an idea at Carleton High School quickly gained momentum across the Trust, with further schools and colleagues signing to support the cause. The dedication and passion present on the day was truly inspiring. We are incredibly proud to be part of a team that lifts each… Read more

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Supporting our School Community through Parent Workshops

At Pontefract Academies Trust, we believe that education is most powerful when schools and families work together. In support of this belief, we are proud to be launching a series of parent workshops to help support our school community. Throughout May, we’ll be offering four ‘How To…’ workshops, each covering an important topic that affects pupils and their families. These sessions will offer expert insights, practical strategies, and key tools – creating a space for parents to learn and feel empowered. Our workshops include: How to Improve Sleep and Behaviour Through Effective Routine – this session is with Future in… Read more

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