Blog Archives - | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust /category/blog/ To put children / students first and at the heart of all thinking Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:15:35 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 myFutures Launch /myfutures-launch/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=myfutures-launch Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:07:51 +0000 /?p=6189 The post myFutures Launch appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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🚀 THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH: myFuture is LIVE!

We are thrilled to officially announce the launch ofmyFuture—a powerhouse collaboration between Alpha Academies Trust, Potteries Educational Trust, Three Spires Trust, and the CEO Futures Forum.
At its core, myFuture is about more than just passing exams. We are dedicated to building the architects of the future West Midlands economy. By sparking curiosity in our Primary academies and providing a continuous pathway all the way through to graduation, we are ensuring our students are prepared for the world of work from day one.
Our mission is driven by six specialisedGatewaysdesigned to bridge the gap between the classroom and a career. We believe in providing every student with a clear direction:Your choice, your Gateway, myFuture.
Students can now explore tailored pathways in:
  • ⚙ Engineering, Design & Manufacturing
  • 🏗 Construction & Green Economy
  • 🏥 Health, Social Care, Sport & Public Services
  • 🏫 Education & Early Years
  • 💻 Digital Technology, Business & Finance
  • 🎭 Creative & Culture
This initiative is about giving the next generation the skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to thrive right here in our community. By connecting education with the future world of work, we are empowering students to stay local and lead the regional economy.
A massive thank you to our regional employers and community partners for their invaluable support in making this vision a reality.
Ready to see what the future looks like?

🌐EXPLORE THE NEW WEBSITE:
Let’s shape the future, together.

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Winter Fayre 2025 /winter-fayre-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-fayre-2025 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:26:53 +0000 /?p=6047 The post Winter Fayre 2025 appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Are you searching for the perfect festive day out this December? ❄✨ Look no further! Get ready to wrap up warm and mark your calendars because the magicalWinter Fayre is coming, and it’s going to be an absolute Christmas cracker for the whole family! 🎄🎅

We’re thrilled to announce that on Saturday 6th December 2025, from 10:30am – 2:30pm ⏰, in Bentilee (ST2 0GA) will be transformed into a sparkling winter wonderland — everything indoors so we’re cosy whatever the weather! 🏠🔥

What to Expect at Our Magical Winter Fayre 🎡🎉 This isn’t just any fayre — it’s a festive extravaganza packed with Christmas cheer for all ages, and best of all… it’s completely FREE to enter! 🆓 Here’s a festive sneak peek at what’s waiting for you:

  • Meet The Grinch himself (he’s promised to behave… mostly!) 💚😈
  • Snap a selfie with our cheeky Elves 🧝‍♂️🧝‍♀️
  • Visit Santa’s Grotto and tell Father Christmas your wishes 🎅🤶
  • Pose with real-life Stormtroopers — the Empire has gone festive! ⚡🪖
  • Loads of brilliant stocking fillers and Christmas gifts from our stalls 🎁🛍
  • Warm chips and hot chocolateto keep the chill away 🍟🥤
  • Plus plenty more festive fun and surprises indoors! 🎊

Indulge in Festive Treats & Christmas Spirit ☕🍬 Bring a little pocket money for tasty chips, refreshing pop, and all those perfect last-minute stocking fillers. It’s the ideal chance to get ahead on your Christmas shopping while soaking up the holiday atmosphere! 🛒✨

This Winter Fayre is all about bringing our community together in true festive style. Wrap up, bring your family and friends, and let’s make it a day full of laughter, magic, and Christmas joy. The more the merrier — everyone’s invited! ❤🎄

Don’t Miss Out — Save the Date! 📅 This is your official invitation to the most wonderful Winter Fayre of the year!

#SaveTheDate 📅Winter Fayre 🗓 Saturday 6th December 2025 🕥 10:30am – 2:30pm 📍 , Bentilee, ST2 0GA 🎟 Completely FREE entry | Everything indoors 🏠❄

To stay up-to-date with all the latest news, special guests, and grotto booking info, follow our Facebook page:

We can’t wait to see you there — let’s make it a Christmas to remember! 🎅🎁✨

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Summer Fayre 2025 /summer-fayre-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=summer-fayre-2025 Wed, 21 May 2025 07:39:31 +0000 /?p=5732 The post Summer Fayre 2025 appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Are you searching for the perfect Summer Fayre experience this weekend? Look no further! Get ready to mark your calendars because the highly anticipated Bentilee Summer Fayre is returning, and it’s set to be an absolute blast for the whole family!

We’re thrilled to announce that on Saturday, 5th July 2025, in Bentilee (ST2 0GA) will be transformed into a hub of excitement, offering a spectacular free to enter summer fayre that you simply can’t miss.

What to Expect at Our Sensational Summer Fayre

This isn’t just any summer fayre; it’s a day packed with a “plethora of activities” designed to delight all ages. And the best part? It’s all completely free! Forget about entry fees and just focus on making incredible memories. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fantastic attractions awaiting you:

  • Bouncy Castles Galore: Let the little ones (and maybe some of the big ones too!) bounce to their heart’s content.
  • Wipeout Sweeper: Test your agility and see if you can be the last one standing!
  • Football Darts: A fun twist on two classic games – perfect for showing off your skills.
  • Live Performances: Enjoy a diverse range of entertainment throughout the day.
  • Reptile Zoo: Get up close and personal with some fascinating creatures – a truly unique experience at a summer fayre!
  • And Much, Much More! We’ve got plenty of surprises in store to keep everyone entertained.

Indulge in Delicious Treats & Community Spirit

While the activities are free, you’ll want to bring some pocket money for the delicious food and drink on offer. Imagine grabbing a refreshing ice cream on a warm summer’s day or sinking your teeth into a mouth-watering hot dog. Go on, treat yourself – you deserve it!

This summer fayre is more than just fun and games; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of community spirit. It’s the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your loved ones, catch up with friends, and make new ones. Remember, the more, the merrier, so bring along everyone you know!

Don’t Miss Out – Save the Date!

This is your official invitation to join us in making this a truly record-breaking summer fayre. We’re pulling out all the stops to ensure it’s an unforgettable day for everyone.

#SaveTheDate for the Bentilee Summer Fayre on Saturday, 5th July 2025, at , ST2 0GA.

To stay completely up-to-date with all the latest news and to confirm your attendance, be sure to follow our Facebook page: . We can’t wait to see you there!

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Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 /5209-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5209-2 Mon, 03 Feb 2025 14:04:30 +0000 /?p=5209 The post Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Supporting Children’s Mental Health Week 2025

Children’s Mental Health Week 2025 takes place from 3rd to 9th February 2025, with the theme “Know Yourself, Grow Yourself.” Organised by the charity Place2Be, the initiative encourages children and young people to explore self-awareness and understand how this can help build resilience, confidence, and personal growth.

This year, in partnership with Here4You and supported by The Walt Disney Company, Place2Be is using characters from Pixar’s Inside Out 2 to help children express their emotions and explore their inner selves in a fun and relatable way.

For more information, visit . ✨

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to support Children’s Mental Health Week, including:

✔ Talking to children about their feelings
✔ Encouraging self-expression through art, writing, or play
✔ Promoting positive mental health strategies, such as mindfulness and exercise
✔ Getting involved with school or community activities for the week

By working together, we can create a supportive environment where children feel safe to explore their emotions and develop positive mental well-being.

🔗 Learn more and download resources:

Mental Health Support for Children in

Stoke-on-Trent

If you are in Stoke-on-Trent and need support for a child or young person, there are several services available:

1. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) – North/South Stoke

CAMHS supports the mental health of children and young people up to 18 years old. Their team includes mental health nurses, cognitive behavioural therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists.

👉 Find out more:

2. Changes Health & Wellbeing

This organisation offers peer-support groups, well-being programmes, and recovery services for children, young people, and adults. Their “Stay Well CYP” programme helps young people experiencing mental distress and provides support for parents, carers, and teachers.

👉 Visit:

3. Staffordshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing Service

This service helps children and young people aged 5 to 18 who are struggling with their emotions. Support is available through self-referrals, as well as referrals from parents or professionals.

👉 Find out more:

4. Mental Health Support Team – North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare

These teams work in schools and colleges to provide support for children and young people aged 5 to 18 experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

👉 Learn more:

Urgent Support

If a child or young person is in crisis, immediate help is available through the Access Team at the Crisis Care Centre.

📞 Call: 0800 0 328 728 (Option 1)
📱 Text: 07739 775 202

For more local support services, visit

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National Literacy Trust Survey /national-literacy-trust-survey/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=national-literacy-trust-survey Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:46:59 +0000 /?p=4820 The post National Literacy Trust Survey appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Join Us in Shaping the Future of Literacy at !

Students,

We’re thrilled to be working with the National Literacy Trust to better understand reading habits, attitudes, and the role of literacy in our lives. We believe your voice matters, and now is your chance to share your thoughts on reading and writing!

We are inviting all students to complete a quick and easy survey to share your experiences with reading, writing, and literacy. Your input will provide valuable insights and help us promote a stronger culture of literacy at .

This survey is a great opportunity to reflect on how reading and writing shape both your school life and your personal world. It only takes a few minutes, and your feedback will make a real difference in how we approach literacy across the school.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey by clicking the link below:

 

Thank you for helping us celebrate the importance of literacy, and for taking part in this exciting initiative!

Let’s work together to make sure every voice is heard! 📚✨

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Cracking Down on Illegal E-Scooter Use: An Important Operation for Safety /cracking-down-on-illegal-e-scooter-use-an-important-operation-for-safety/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cracking-down-on-illegal-e-scooter-use-an-important-operation-for-safety Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:07:08 +0000 /?p=4805 The post Cracking Down on Illegal E-Scooter Use: An Important Operation for Safety appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Cracking Down on Illegal E-Scooter Use: An Important Operation for Safety

This week marks the launch of an important operation aimed at addressing the illegal use of privately owned e-scooters across our county. As these devices grow in popularity, it’s crucial to ensure everyone understands the laws surrounding their use and the potential dangers involved.

The Operation in Action

Local officers are actively visiting schools, shops, and community hubs to engage with the public. Through these visits, they’re raising awareness about the risks and legal implications of using e-scooters in public spaces.

Privately owned e-scooters are classified as “Powered Transporters” under the law, which means they are treated like motor vehicles. However, obtaining insurance for privately owned e-scooters is currently not possible. This lack of insurance makes it illegal to use them on roads or in public spaces, such as parks, pavements, and shopping centres.

What Does the Law Say?

If an e-scooter is used in any public place, it can be seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for not having insurance. To ensure compliance and safety, our operation will unfold in three key phases:

  1. Phase One – Engagement and Awareness
    Officers will educate communities on the laws surrounding e-scooters. The focus is on creating awareness, especially among young people, parents, and guardians, to prevent illegal use.
  2. Phase Two – Enforcement
    Starting on 16th December, officers will proactively seize e-scooters being used illegally during their regular patrols. While the focus remains on education, this phase emphasises the seriousness of abiding by the law.
  3. Phase Three – Prosecution
    Beginning in the new year, the operation will escalate where necessary to criminal prosecutions. This includes holding adults accountable if they facilitate the illegal use of e-scooters by minors, such as parents, guardians, or schools that allow their storage for such purposes.

A Message for Parents and Guardians

As Christmas approaches, many young people may be excited about the prospect of receiving an e-scooter as a gift. However, it’s important to note that illegal use could result in the device being seized—an upsetting experience we want to help families avoid.

We’re also working closely with local retailers to ensure they display correct warning notices and inform buyers of the laws surrounding e-scooters.

How You Can Help

We encourage you to share this information widely with teachers, parents, guardians, and young people through any electronic means available. Additionally, we’ve attached a leaflet to help spread the message further.

Together, we can ensure our community is safe and informed. If you have any questions about this operation or the laws surrounding e-scooters, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly at Christopher.Bradbury@staffordshire.police.uk.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in making our community safer for everyone.

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Year 7 September 2025 deadline /year-7-september-2025-deadline/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=year-7-september-2025-deadline Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:55:02 +0000 /?p=4286 The post Year 7 September 2025 deadline appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Reminder:To submit an application tofor September 2025 please visit Stoke City Council School Admissions:
Our Academy is very popular, so we encourage families to ensure they apply by the deadline date31st October 2024!

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Open Evening 19th September 2024 /open-evening-19th-september-2024/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=open-evening-19th-september-2024 Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:53:01 +0000 /?p=4263 The post Open Evening 19th September 2024 appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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✨ Join Us for Our Open Evening! 🎉

📍 Location:
📅 Date: Thursday, 19th September 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
😏Presentation Times: 5:15pm | 6:00pm | 6:45pm

Come along to explore our vibrant Family 🌟 and discover why is the perfect place for your child’s next step in education! 👩‍🏫📚

Meet our inspiring teachers, take a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, and learn all about life at ! 🏫✨

📢 Spread the word and see you there! 😄 #Discovery Academy #Year7Hub #OpenEvening

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School Games GOLD Mark Award /school-games-gold-mark-award/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=school-games-gold-mark-award Wed, 17 Jul 2024 12:16:58 +0000 /?p=4239 The post School Games GOLD Mark Award appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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We are delighted to announce that we, , have achieved the School Games GOLD Mark Award for the 2023/24 academic year.

The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community, and we are delighted to have been recognised for our success.

With a total of young people competing in local inter-school competitions this year, we are extremely proud of our pupils for their dedication to all aspects of school sport, including those young volunteers, leaders and officials who made our competitions possible.

As part of our application, we were asked to fulfil criteria in the areas of participation, competition, workforce and clubs, and we are pleased that the hard work of everyone at our school has been rewarded this year.

A special thank you to the PE department and all other staff that run clubs in PE for their commitment to providing an outstanding extra-curricular provision to enrich pupil’s experience in PE.

We look forward to applying once again in 2025!

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Ofsted Inspection /ofsted-inspection/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ofsted-inspection Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:08:36 +0000 /?p=4201 The post Ofsted Inspection appeared first on | Stoke on Trent | Part of the Alpha Academies Trust.

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Please see the following link for an important letter from Ofsted regarding an inspection tomorrow

A copy of the School Inspections guide for parents can be found at the following link

Paper copies are available from Reception should they be required. Thank you

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