Mackie Hill thanks supporters after plans to become an academy are dropped

As reported in the Express last week, plans to force Mackie Hill Junior and Infant School to become an academy have finally been dropped, after extensive campaigning by parents.

The government tried to convert the Crigglestone school into an academy, despite a wealth of opposition to the idea.

Parents, staff and local politicians all wanted the school to stay in partnership with nearby Kettlethorpe High, which is run by the council.

It follows an Ofsted report in November, which rated the school as ‘good’ and acknowledged the wealth of improvements it had made since it was rated as ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted two years ago.

Coun Margaret Isherwood, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “The Ofsted report acknowledges the great improvement and progress made in recent years. This is thanks to dedicated staff and to the hard work of pupils and parents.

“We look forward to continuing to working with the school which is providing a great education to its pupils and is at the heart of the local community.

Jayne Elliott, head teacher at Mackie Hill, said: “I was thrilled to receive the news that Mackie Hill is able to remain under the control of the local authority.

“We work collaboratively with the local Kettlethorpe schools, in particular the High School, which has ensured Mackie Hill has gone from strength to strength.

“The staff are now looking forward to continuing the great curriculum we have embedded so the children can achieve well and enjoy the experiences and opportunities they have here.

“We thank everyone involved in supporting the school over the last two years.”