Celebrating our strongest SATs results to date across Pontefract Academies Trust

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Celebrating our strongest SATs results to date across Pontefract Academies Trust

We are incredibly proud to be celebrating our strongest SATs results to date, with pupils across our primary schools achieving outcomes that place our Trust significantly above national averages. Across Pontefract Academies Trust, 90% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics – 27 percentage points above the national average of 63%. These results represent a significant milestone for our Trust and reflect the dedication, ambition and hard work of our pupils, staff and families. Our success reflects the strength of our Trust family and the impact of working together with a shared ambition: to provide the… Read more

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Staff Spotlight: EYFS Lead at Halfpenny Lane

This month, our staff spotlight is on Olivia, EYFS Lead and Teacher at Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School. Olivia oversees our youngest pupils at Halfpenny Lane, helping them grow and develop, equipping them with the necessary tools for their educational journey. What is a short, fun fact about yourself? My birthday is on a leap year, so I’m only 6 and a half! What path did you take to lead you to the role you are in now? I completed a child development course at college and, through my school-based placements, realised that I wanted to become a… Read more

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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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Halfpenny Lane Pupil Qualifies for the Dance World Cup in Dublin

Lily Melgram, a pupil in class 5H at Halfpenny Junior, Infant & Nursery School, has received the fantastic news that she has qualified to represent England at this year’s Dance World Cup in Dublin. The Dance World Cup is recognised as the largest all-genre dance competition in the world, bringing together young dancers from across the globe to compete in a wide range of styles. Lily’s success is a brilliant achievement and a wonderful example of the resilience and determination we value across our Trust. Her hard work and dedication have clearly paid off. Lily’s accomplishment has been celebrated throughout… Read more

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Letter of Recognition for Excellent Outcomes for Our Disadvantaged Pupils

We are proud to share that three of our primary schools across Pontefract Academies Trust have been formally recognised by Bridget Phillipson MP, Secretary of State for Education, for their exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, Carleton Park Junior & Infant School and De Lacy Primary School have all demonstrated exceptional performance and have, consequently, received national recognition. In her letter, the Secretary of State praised the dedication and ambition shown by both schools, writing: “This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can… Read more

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Pontefract Academies Trust Ranked 1st in the North and 6th Nationally for KS2 Attainment

We are incredibly proud to share the exceptional Key Stage 2 (KS2) outcomes achieved across our Trust. Pontefract Academies Trust is 1st in the North of England and 6th across all England for KS2 attainment, based on DfE data. Across our Trust, 86% of pupils achieved the expected standard – 24% above the national average. By default, this also puts us 1st in Yorkshire and the Humber region for KS2 attainment. Strong Outcomes for Disadvantaged Pupils The DfE figures show that our outcomes for disadvantaged pupils are significantly above the national average for non-disadvantaged pupils. 73% of disadvantaged pupils across… Read more

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Halfpenny Lane are Proud to be Part of Junior Dukes!

We’re excited to share that Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School is part of Junior Dukes, a programme designed to help pupils grow into confident, independent, and courageous young people. Through Junior Dukes, pupils take part in fun and challenging activities such as baking, event planning, sustainability projects, learning new skills, and helping the community. Each challenge encourages children to be creative, try new things, and develop resilience – all important life skills for beyond the classroom. The impact of Junior Dukes is already clear at Halfpenny Lane. For example, two sisters completed a baking challenge where they chose… 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

Pontefract Academies Trust are proud to be 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. At Halfpenny Lane Junior, Infant & Nursery School, staff shared that they feel valued and proud to be part of the Trust community. These results mirror the Trust-wide survey, where… Read more

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