Kentmere Academy named primary school of the year

Kentmere Academy

Rochdale’s Kentmere Academy came out top of the class with the primary school of the year accolade in the  Manchester School Awards.

The Smallbridge school has turned round its Ofsted rating from special measures to outstanding in the last five years.

Headteacher Sarah Isberg said: “This a fantastic reward for all the hard work my staff have put in to turn this school around. It acknowledges that Kentmere is a fantastic school and our children are thriving here. This is a great achievement for all connected with Kentmere.”

Councillor Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is another great success story for Rochdale. Well done to everyone connected with Kentmere. We were delighted to have four finalists in the ceremony and it’s been a record breaking year for entries so to have Kentmere crowned primary school of the year is delightful.”

Three other Rochdale schools were also finalists in the awards, Parkfield Primary, Middleton, were finalists in the School in the Community of the Year award for the work of their Eco Team.

Rochdale’s Springside Special School was a finalist in the Healthy Living School of the Year for the work of their ‘Dinosaur Class’ who have been working on lots of healthy initiatives in school from mindfulness classes, daily exercise, daily teeth brushing and growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Head of PE Andrew Greaves from Cardinal Langley RC High, Middleton, was a finalist for Inspirational Teacher of the Year. He was nominated by students who have been taught by him for five years, and was described as selfless, dedicated, engaging, industrious and patient. One student said she felt blessed to have been taught by him and he inspired her to become the person she is today.