Stories From Across Our Trust

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!

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.

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.

Coppice Valley Champions Sustainability with New Composting Toilets

Coppice Valley Primary School is continuing its drive towards sustainability with the installation of brand new composting toilets, an eco-friendly solution designed to reduce water waste and support greener living.

These innovative toilets are part of the school’s wider commitment to environmental responsibility. Headteacher, Miss McNamara, has already been testing them out (all in the name of progress and sustainability!)

The new facilities will be used by pupils and shared with the wider community at school events such as Coppice-Fest. As well as reducing the school’s environmental footprint, they offer a brilliant opportunity for pupils to learn more about eco-conscious choices and sustainable living in action.

Coppice Valley is proud to be leading by example, championing practical, forward-thinking solutions for a greener future.

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.

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.

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.

Colton Primary Celebrates a Year of Festivals and Cultural Learning

This year, pupils at Colton Primary School have enjoyed learning about and celebrating a range of festivals, including Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Holi and Hanukkah. These celebrations have been part of the school’s commitment to fostering understanding and respect for different cultures and religions.

Parents were also invited into school to share their personal experiences and traditions, helping to bring each festival to life. This has been a valuable experience for the children, giving them the chance to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the diverse world around them.

Coppice-Fest Brings Community Together in Celebration

Coppice Valley Primary School’s annual 'Coppice-Fest' was a joyful celebration of community, music, and togetherness, bringing families, colleagues, and pupils together for an unforgettable afternoon on the school grounds.

The event was packed with smiles, dancing, and shared moments, offering the perfect way to round off a fantastic school year. With music, entertainment and a strong community spirit, Coppice-Fest showcased everything that makes the Coppice Valley school family so special.

A huge thank you goes to the dedicated colleagues, volunteers, and PTFA who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success. Funds raised on the day will go directly back into school projects that enrich pupils’ experiences - a shining example of what happens when a community comes together to celebrate, support and have fun.

Flexible Working Ambassador MAT and Schools Project Extended

Over the last two years Harrogate Grammar School has been working alongside Julie Wellacott (Trust HR Partner) on the FWAMS initiative. The Department of Education first appointed Harrogate Grammar School to this role in March 2023 and , working with CAPITA, Neil and Julie have delivered practical support to promote flexible working practices in MATs and schools. This role has now been extended for another year, and they have just started working with a new cohort of participant schools, including Rosset School, Whitkirk Primary School and Templenewsam Halton Primary School within Red Kite Learning Trust.

Neil Renton, Headteacher at Harrogate Grammar School comments, "Over the last two years, it has been a privilege to contribute to an evaluation toolkit around flexible working, work closely with participant schools and raise awareness around flexible working in schools. This project has involved delivering workshops at conferences such as ASCL, writing blogs for TES and SecED, talking on webinars with Abor and even a visit from an researcher and policy maker representing the Japanese government."

You can listen to Neil Renton and Julie Wellacott talking about this work on Education Leaders with Shane Leaning on Spotify or here