We are delighted to have received a letter from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, that praises the exceptional quality of the education we provide and recognises that our work is amongst the best nationally in ensuring that all pupils achieve whatever their backgrounds or starting points.
The Secretary for Education wrote:
"Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes the disadvantaged pupils at Rye Hills Academy achieved at the end of the 2024/25 academic year. Your school’s performance places it among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.
This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.
Your school’s achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I hope you will continue to share your experience and best practice with others. Even the strongest schools can go further. We encourage you to lead the way as a system leader - sharing effective practice, championing networks, supporting collaboration, and helping raise standards across the sector.
There are real opportunities available for you to support improvement for a wider group of pupils including through:
- engaging actively with your region’s RISE networks and partnering with nearby schools and trusts;
- contributing to regional roundtables and professional communities to spread the approaches that are working in your context; and
- sustaining excellence by continuing to focus on disadvantaged pupils
Please pass on my thanks and congratulations to your staff and pupils. I look forward to working with you as we strive together to raise standards for all".
A fantastic piece of news to finish the week!