Methley Primary School

The long and winding road to outstanding!

I was appointed headteacher in 2004 to amalgamate an infant and junior school in the village of Methley. The schools were on two sites a mile apart. The new build was not popular with everyone in the village and winning over hearts and minds with a learning agenda was the planned route. We came together and had a year on two sites. As a whole staff we looked at the pros and cons of amalgamating and decided to become one team. We had to combine all key stages on both sites immediately which involved moving tables, chairs and furniture around the village! I cycled between sites daily to ensure I was visible to all. The learning agenda then had to be established-what makes great schools? What really is a learning agenda? How do you really walk that talk?