New term and new trust for Rushden school

Having recently joined the Nene Education Trust, Newton Road School spent the week looking back at the history of the school as well as looking ahead to the opportunities which await every pupil.

The school, formerly Risdene Academy, had been run by the Education Fellowship Trust before the trust asked to transfer all of its 12 schools, including seven in Wellingborough, Rushden and Raunds, back to the Department of Education in March 2017.

Principal Kerry Mills said: “Every pupil here is on a journey, their dreams are as big as they believe them to be and we are here to nurture those dreams.

“This is a brand-new start for everyone at Newton Road School.

“As a school that has been here for over a hundred years, we are an important part of the local community and are proud to be known by that name again.

“As part of a local academy trust, we are looking forward to enhancing opportunities that our pupils will have to broaden their experiences beyond their own classroom.”

The week culminated in an event with representatives from the Nene Education Trust, joining pupils, their families and school staff from the school for a special celebration.

Year 6 pupils Keiran Daley, Arianna Soloman and Alfie McDermott read the poem ‘You can be whatever you want to be’ by Donna Levine and the whole school sang ‘Believe’ by Lin Marsh.

The celebration ended with Gerry Finnegan, who is the longest serving staff member at the school, and the youngest pupil, Brodie-Lee Melville, cutting a ribbon to symbolise the beginning of the future.

Chris Hill, CEO of the Nene Education Trust, said: “I am very much looking forward to getting to know each and every one of the pupils here at Newton Road School.

“This is a very exciting time for everyone to be involved in the future of the school and everyone at the trust is passionate about making Newton Road the very best it can be.”

Miss Mills spoke to both the pupils and the community at the event, and said: “Whether the children at Newton Road School have been here for a few years or have joined us just a few weeks ago, this is the beginning of a new journey for us all.

“Myself and all the staff at the school and within the trust are excited to make the school the very best for the children and give them the best opportunities for them to achieve their dreams.”

And with several lunches and cupcakes left over from the celebrations that needed a good home, a call went in to the Sanctuary Night Shelter.

Marie Borg, manager of the shelter, came straight up to accept the gift and said: “Thank you to everyone at Newton Road School for the donation.

“People who come through our doors always get a good meal but this will be a treat tonight for them.

“We welcome all donations and as we have today been more than happy to collect.”

Newton Road School will be opening its doors on Tuesday (September 25) and Thursday (September 27) to prospective pupils and parents who would like to join the school next September.

For more information call the school on 01933 353761.