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Stories From Across Our Trust

At Red Kite Learning Trust, our strength lies in our unity and shared values. Below we've highlighted stories from across our community that celebrate collaboration, resilience, and the collective spirit that makes our Trust a supportive and inspiring place for everyone.

Sporting Spirit Soars at This Year’s Red Kite Olympics

Primary pupils from across our Trust came together for an unforgettable day of sport, teamwork and celebration at Rossett School for the annual Red Kite Olympics. From rounders to relay races, pupils took part in a wide range of fun and competitive events – all showcasing exceptional effort, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The day was bookended by the now-traditional Rossett Roar, a spirited and unified celebration that set the tone for a brilliant day of collaboration and energy.

Congratulations to Rossett Acre Primary School, who were crowned this year’s champions! But the real victory was the display of encouragement, determination and togetherness from every single pupil involved.

Group photo

Austhorpe Charity Champions Raise £500 for Martin House

On Monday 7th July, Year 4 pupils at Austhorpe Primary School showed incredible initiative and community spirit by organising a charity fundraiser in support of Martin House. The day included a non-uniform day, a lively Staff vs Children football match, and a fantastic range of stalls, all planned and run by the children themselves. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and hard work paid off, raising an impressive £500 for the hospice.

We’re so proud of our Year 4 pupils at Austhorpe Primary School for their dedication to such a worthwhile cause. What a brilliant achievement!

Red Kite Learning Trust Launches Student Art Exhibition Featuring Rossett School

On Wednesday 26 March, Red Kite Learning Trust hosted a special open evening to celebrate the launch of its latest Art Exhibition, showcasing exceptional artwork by students from Rossett School. The exhibition, on display at the Trust’s Central Office Gallery, features a vibrant collection from Years 9, 10, and 12. Curated by Rossett’s Art Lead, Mrs Lynda Dean, the display highlights a variety of styles and mediums, reflecting the creativity and passion of the young artists. The event brought together students, families, staff, and trustees, who enjoyed viewing the artwork and engaging with the artists in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.This exhibition is a fantastic platform for our students to share their creativity with a wider audience. The exhibition continues to inspire all who visit the Central Office, underscoring the Trust’s commitment to championing learning and nurturing young talent across its schools.

Temple Learning Academy Pupils Shine at Royal Armouries Hospitality Showcase

Temple Learning Academy pupils impressed over 250 guests at a special Hospitality Showcase Evening held at the Royal Armouries on Monday 9 June. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students studying Hospitality and Catering to demonstrate the skills developed in school while gaining real-world experience in a professional setting.

Organised in partnership with the Royal Armouries, the evening saw GCSE students take the lead in planning, preparing, and serving a high-quality dining experience. From working behind the scenes in the kitchen to delivering excellent front-of-house service, students showcased the full range of their hospitality training.

The showcase highlighted the value of vocational education and demonstrated the powerful impact of community partnerships in preparing young people for the future.

Oatlands Schools Launch Harrogate’s First Bike Bus to Promote Safe, Active Travel

Oatlands Infant and Junior School in Harrogate have launched the town’s first-ever Bike Bus, inspired by similar initiatives in Barcelona, Scotland, and Wales, to enhance safety on the school run. The scheme involves a group bike and scoot ride of about one mile, with pupils accompanied by parents and carers.

Developed in collaboration with the Oatlands Road Safety & Active Travel Group and the FRideDays Bike Bus initiative by Sustrans and Schwalbe Tyres UK, the project began taking shape in January when parents Hazel Peacock and Ben Mortimer sought guidance from Sustrans. The inaugural ride saw around 60 participants and was hailed as a major success. Head Teacher Estelle Scarth praised the initiative as a powerful example of community collaboration, promoting healthier lifestyles and low-carbon commuting habits.

The school supports the scheme with a free-to-use Bike Library, funded by the Opening School Facilities grant, and has also received additional support from Harrogate Rotary Club for equipment like a bike rack, tow bar, infant trailer, and light-up armbands for winter visibility. The next Bike Bus event is scheduled for later this month, with even more families expected to join.

Meadowfield’s Green Team Litter Picks with Pride

Meadowfield Primary School’s Green Team, alongside Parent Governor Mrs Hicks, has been out in the local community helping to keep it clean by collecting litter. Litter picking is one of the team’s favourite activities, and their huge smiles say it all! Among the usual rubbish, some unexpected treasures were found, including a pink woolly hat and a Power Rangers toy, both in great condition. The school is incredibly proud of the Green Team’s enthusiasm and commitment to making a positive impact on their environment.

Rossett School Takes Over Harrogate Parkrun for a Morning of Fun and Fitness

It may not have been the London Marathon, but Rossett School’s takeover of the Harrogate Parkrun in May was certainly a race to remember. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Stray, students, staff, and volunteers came together for a lively morning filled with energy, teamwork, and community spirit.

Headteacher Tim Milburn said: “We are delighted that Rossett School could support a long-standing community event. It was a hugely enjoyable morning, and we look forward to joining the Harrogate running community again soon.”

Rossett Acre Launches Little Acorns Playgroup

This year, Rossett Acre Primary School proudly launched the Little Acorns Playgroup. Held every Friday, the sessions welcome families from both the school and wider community for tea, biscuits and playtime.

The playgroup supports early transitions into school life while helping families connect with each other, the school, and their local community.

Templenewsam Halton Pupils Raise £5,500 for Charities

This year, Templenewsam Halton Primary School pupils, colleagues and families have come together to support a range of charities chosen by each school phase to promote inclusivity and empathy.

EYFS supported St Gemma’s Hospice, KS1 chose Little Hiccups, LKS2 backed Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids, and UKS2 raised funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Through a range of creative fundraising activities, including bun sales, walks, scavenger hunts, raffles and movie nights, the school raised nearly £5,500 and donated 147 presents.

The whole school community is incredibly proud of the compassion and dedication shown throughout the year.

Rossett School Becomes First to Achieve Prestigious 'Heart of the Community' Gold Award

Rossett School has become the first school in the region to receive the Heart of the Community Gold Award from Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS), recognising over a decade of exceptional work in CPR education, community defibrillator access, and health awareness.

The award reflects years of dedication, beginning in 2014 when students raised funds to install a public defibrillator in Starbeck. Since then, Rossett has taken part in Restart a Heart Day for 11 consecutive years, embedding lifesaving knowledge across the school.

Led by retired First Aid Lead Helen Rogers, the school recently intensified its efforts with a campaign that raised funds through community events like raffles and bake sales. These efforts resulted in the installation of two 24/7-access defibrillators, free community CPR sessions, and enhanced training and equipment in school.

Helen said: “This campaign has shown how powerful a community can be when we work together for something that truly matters. I’m so proud that Rossett students and our wider community now have the knowledge and equipment that could one day save a life.”

Headteacher Tim Milburn added: “This award is more than a badge; it’s proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together. We are immensely proud of Helen and everyone involved.”

Jason Carlyon, Community Engagement Manager at YAS, praised the school’s achievement, saying it “sets a benchmark for others as they strive to make communities safer and better prepared in the face of cardiac emergencies.”

Templenewsam Halton and Temple Moor Team Up for Inspiring DT Project

Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 at Templenewsam Halton Primary School have taken part in an exciting Design Technology project in partnership with Temple Moor High School.

Working closely with Miss Carter, Mr Norton and the Temple Moor DT team, pupils created mood boards based on their class animals, bees and lizards, before designing items for their classroom such as pencil pots and bookends. After presenting their ideas with confidence, a winning design from each group was chosen to be brought to life at Temple Moor High School. During their visits, children took part in hands-on workshops, learning how to sand, decorate and construct their products. They returned to school full of pride, bringing their finished creations to use in class.

Both staff and pupils across our Trust praised the project, which was a brilliant example of collaboration and creativity in action.

Walking in Rossett Red: Students Raise Thousands for Local Charities

Rossett School’s much-loved Sponsored Walk returned this year with a record-breaking impact, bringing together over 500 students and staff to raise funds for two inspiring local charities.

Now in its 30th year, the 2025 ‘Rossett Red’ Sponsored Walk saw students from Years 7 to 10 complete a 12km route through the Harrogate countryside, with Sixth Form students volunteering as marshals and staff from across the school and Trust supporting every step of the way.

In total, participants walked a staggering 5,304km, the equivalent of travelling from Harrogate to New York City, raising over £8,100 (with donations still coming in) for Horticap and New Beginnings.

Rossett Red Sponsored Walk 4

The event didn’t stop at the finish line, either. Back at school, students and staff took part in a lively celebration with face painting, raffles, and fundraising games, all in the name of community spirit and giving back.

Headteacher Tim Milburn and event organiser Mr Mark Bulmer praised the students for their enthusiasm and the local community for their ongoing support, describing the day as “a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a school comes together.”

Whitkirk Primary Wins Cash for Kids Competition to Support Pupil Wellbeing

Whitkirk Primary School proudly took part in the Cash for Kids project this December, running a series of festive fundraising events with fantastic support from the PTA. Activities included an Elf Run, Bingo Night, Christmas Fair, and more, all bringing the school community together for a great cause.

Thanks to these efforts, Whitkirk won the Leeds competition and used the prize money to create a dedicated Haven space to support children with additional needs. It’s a lasting and meaningful result that highlights the power of community in making a difference.