Andrew recently visited Goole Academy to meet with the new Principal, Mr Matthew Partington, and the Chief Executive of the Wakefield City Academy Trust (WCAT), Alan Yellup. The WCAT became the sponsor of Goole High in August, following the poor OFSTED inspection report, placing the school into special measures. The school has since been re-branded as Goole Academy.
The MP discussed the Trust's plans to turn the school around and the positive changes that had already taken place. Andrew was also able to talk with pupils and staff as he toured the school and also view the multi-million Government-funded new building take shape.
Andrew reports, "I was really struck by the energy and enthusiasm of Matthew and Alan as they outlined their vision for how they will turn this school around. I have always been a supporter of Goole High School and will continue to be as it re-brands itself Goole Academy.
This has been a very difficult time for staff and pupils, but already positive changes are taking place and the school is moving forward. This was brought home to me when I toured the site and spoke with staff and pupils. They told me how positive things were in the school at the moment and how already they felt the school was on its way up.
It was also great to see the new building works being undertaken. I have helped lobby for the millions that have been invested in this school in recent years and am delighted to see construction under way and also to hear about the plans to refurbish the old school building next year.
The Wakefield City Academy Trust have a proven record of running fantastic schools and driving up standards. I want the best for Goole and for Goole pupils and that is why I have pledged to support Matthew, Alan and the school in any way I can to help them move forwards."
Mr Partington adds, “It was a great opportunity to show the progress on the new build but also share our ambitions for the school and its community. We also discovered we were both history teachers which made for an interesting discussion.
The new build will ensure that Goole Academy offers cutting edge facilities that are second to none for young people in Goole and the surrounding area. It will ensure that we can deliver on our promises of building a new future for our students.”
