We come to the end of another busy year at Priesthorpe School, with the usual events and happenings associated with a thriving school.

The examination ‘season’ is over and our young people (and their parents and teachers) nervously await results. In fact, our first results are in, as we have now received our Maths and Science SATs results. Both subjects achieved over 80% Level 5+ (above both Leeds and national averages). English SAT results are not published until GCSE results day (23rd August).

What else happens this time of year? Reports, Review Day, residentials, Sports Day (at last the weather allowed it!), New Intake Day, work experience, rewards trips, final assemblies and planning (yet more government initiatives!) for next year. For many, this is as busy a time of year as any.

We also say our goodbyes to members of staff who are moving on. Several, such as Elise Benton, Jo Boulter, Leon Fraser, Paul Naylor and Hannah Poole are moving on to the next stage of their careers. They are all first rate teachers, who deserve their promotions. Matt Gibbons is moving back to a position in commerce after several years teaching Business Studies. I should also mention that Shakila Afzal, who left for maternity leave at Easter has decided not to take her option of returning to Priesthorpe.

Other staff are retiring, after long years of service to education, many at Priesthorpe School. We give our best wishes to Lynne Chadwick, Ann Gittins, Pete Robins, Iain Smith and Steve Williams. People enter the teaching profession because they like working with young people and wish to give them support and encouragement. Many hundreds of pupils will have cause to thank someone in this list of ‘leavers’. Many parents will know some of these staff well. A collective thanks goes to them all. Mr K Hall Headteacher