End of Year Message from Mrs Reynolds

We are now at the end of another busy year and I would like to thank our whole school community – pupils, parents, staff and governors for all your hard work and dedication to ensure that all of our children are provided with excellence in education. We are in the top 1% of schools in the country, and as a headteacher I am extremely proud of everyone involved especially our wonderful pupils.

We have much to celebrate this year from an academic point of view: Our EYFS Good level of Development was at 87%, nationally schools attain 65%. Our Phonic Screening results – 98% passed the test – national average (most schools) outcomes are 79%; our Year 4 multiplication test – 97% pupils achieved 22 out of 25 with a staggering 78% attaining full marks. Our SATS results were also amazing this year with a 12-17% increase in attainment for Greater Depth.

Our 2024-2025 KS2 SATs results showed the following:

I assumed the role of Headteacher in January 2024 and the vision I shared previously is now not only implemented but also gaining success as the year progresses.

Accomplishments this year from last year’s action plan.

Improving the outcomes of writing across the school – this year we worked on our writing cycle to ensure that even more pupils were able to achieve above the standard in writing (Greater Depth) through making some slight changes to the cycle. There was a 17% increase in pupils achieving Greater Depth in year 6.
Learning to play musical instruments.

From year 1, every pupil will learn a different instrument each year:
Year 1 – Bell plates and Boom Whackers
Year 2 – Recorders
Year 3 – Xylophone
Year 4 – Ukulele
Year 5 - Recorders including Bass Recorders – ensembles
Year 6 – Keyboard

All year groups have been learning to play their instruments for at least the past two terms. In all classes pupils have started to learn how to not only read music but to play at least one song. We will continue to enhance the teaching of music and as the pupils’ gain more confidence; we will share their talents with you.

Computing

We have enough devices for pupil’s to share one between two and this year we have completed training on how to develop digital innovation through all subjects taught at Whiteknights. We have now had the theory and so now it is time to put this into practice. Next academic year, we will buy a further 30 laptops for year 6 and we hope by 4 years’ time, we will have enough devices for one per pupil.

The Knighthood Scheme

The Knighthood Scheme has now been running since January 2025 and this year we held our first set of ceremonies for year 2 and year 4 where 50% of the pupils were awarded a Paige or Squire Badge and a certificate. Those that achieved this worked incredibly hard and the parents were supportive: especially enjoying the help at home. In years 1, 3 and 5 the pupils, who are on track to reach the next stage in their Knighthood Career, received a certificate. This positive citizenship programme is such an important part of being a Whiteknight’s Pupil as it teaches pupils how to take responsibility, it enhances leadership skills, it helps them to understand the British Values like respect, kindness to others and making positive choices. Next Year, we urge you to encourage your children to complete the tasks and join in this worthwhile programme. Children will be allowed to wear their badges on their jumpers.

I hope that everyone has an enjoyable summer break and I look forward to seeing you and your children on September 3rd ready for another exciting year.

Mrs Bridget Reynolds