New headteacher vows to work flat out to make sure two primary schools in Harborough continue to thrive

A new headteacher is vowing to work flat out to make sure that two successful primary schools in Market Harborough continue to thrive.

Sarah Bishop made the pledge as she said she was “delighted” to have taken over as executive headteacher at Ridgeway Primary Academy and Great Bowden Academy.

Sarah, who was previously headteacher at Leicester’s Parkland Primary School, has made the move to Market Harborough after stacking up over 25 years in education.

“I am absolutely delighted to have joined these wonderful schools as their executive headteacher.

“Each school has its own identity, values and strengths and it will be my job to ensure they thrive during these unprecedented times.

“The education and safety of our pupils is paramount,” stressed Sarah.

“I am determined to give them the best foundations possible to learn and grow from.”

As part of the Learn Academies Trust, Ridgeway and Great Bowden “benefit from wider peer support as the Trust currently has 11 schools from across South Leicestershire as members”.

One of its major strengths has come from its planning and sharing of resources in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Covid outbreak has tested every part of our society over the last few months.

“But I am pleased to say the children, parents and staff at both Ridgeway and Great Bowden have shown tremendous spirit as they have returned for the new school year,” said Sarah.

“They have embraced the new bubble system and are showing great understanding as we ask them to adopt new school routines and timetables.

“Our policies and processes were tested within days, as a pupil at Ridgeway was confirmed to have the virus. “And while this was not the start to the new term we had hoped for, it has provided us with the reassurance that our schools are fully-prepared and able to keep our children and the wider community safe.”

She is setting out to strengthen parent and community engagement as well as developing closer ties with local secondary schools and nurseries and pre-schools that feed into its Reception classes.

“The education of a child doesn’t start and stop at the school gates.

“Our pupils begin their journey when in pre-school and continue until they reach the world of work,” said Sarah.

“At Ridgeway and Great Bowden we believe in working with the whole community, all the parents and key stakeholders, to ensure our children have access to as many opportunities possible.

“I cannot wait to get started.”

The Learn Academies Trust has published open days and times for parents hoping to get their children into both schools in 2021.

Ridgeway Primary Academy:

Thursday October 1 - 3.45pm-5.15pm

Friday October 2 - 3.45pm-5.15pm

Saturday October 3 - 10am-2pm

To book call 01858 465800 or email [email protected]

Great Bowden Academy:

Every Wednesday and Thursday during term time at either 3.45 or 4.15pm - appointments to be made via the school office - [email protected]

For further information on Ridgeway Primary Academy on The Ridgeway, Market Harborough, visit www.ridgewayprimary.org.uk and for details on Great Bowden Academy on Gunnsbrooke Close, Great Bowden, check out www.greatbowden.leics.sch.uk