Testimonials
See what people say about us and how we have made a difference.
Year 5 pupil
Oakwood Primary Academy
“I think the Trust is set up really well – it's really organised! The people are kind that run the schools and they are kind to the children. It gives us a good education that we can use in later life.” Year 5 pupil at Oakwood Primary Academy.
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Katie Steere
Head Girl at The Gatwick School
“I joined The Gatwick School in its second year of opening, September 2015. Since then, the school has grown and changed so much. Our school is a fantastic and inclusive school for all students, supporting them to reach their full potential and always assisting students who may need that little bit extra. Staff go above and beyond for us. I am so honoured to have been able to go to TGS and to watch the school on its journey. We have gained an excellent reputation in the community in a short space of time. I will always see TGS as my second home as it is where I have made many good memories and it’s where I as a student have been able to flourish. It has been a brilliant part of my life. I owe who I am today to the amazing staff at TGS who always encouraged me and always believed in me to be the best that I can be.”
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Year 4 pupil
Glenleigh Park Primary Academy
“Being a child at Glenleigh Park Primary Academy is fun, I like seeing my friends and we also do exciting things. Learning is always interesting, especially science.”
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Katie Mercer
Parent at City Academy Whitehawk.
“Hand on heart, I was one of several parents who were against academisation and was worried about how the school would transfer to become an Aurora academy. We have been an Aurora academy now for three years and I am delighted with the way the Trust has improved the school in a friendly and current manner. I particularly like the Paragon curriculum as I think it is a very relevant way for children to learn about the modern world.”
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Claire Cummings
Parent at Heron Park Primary Academy
“I find Heron Park a very friendly and welcoming place. This is exactly what I need as a parent alongside the knowledge that my son is extremely happy and safe there with a great team of friends and staff that help, encourage and motivate him. Although he is doing well academically it is the sporting side that he loves and is something that the academy excels at.”
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Claire Titherington
Parent at Heron Park Primary Academy
“Heron Park Academy has amazed me, as when I applied for primary schools, I wasn't that keen on sending my daughter there, so was not one of my choices. I decided I would send her to the school and see how it went. I was apprehensive in sending her on the first day, but was delighted to see a smiling face when l picked her up. I was astonished by the end of Term 1 - my daughter, who at nursery had been shy, was standing on a stage in front of all the parents singing a song with all of her classmates. She used to hate things like that. I now have two daughters at the school and they are both thriving. I would definitely recommend the school.”
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Alexandra Thornborough
NQT, King Offa Primary Academy
“Being an NQT, I have been provided with rich and invaluable support during my first year of teaching at an Aurora Academy. The experience and knowledge of my mentor and members of SLT have enhanced my teaching in many ways. This has been provided through feedback of formal observations, CPD training and casual conversations; all of which have helped me to develop secure foundations of my teaching career.”
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Laylee Pocock
Head of School, Glenleigh Park Primary Academy
“As a new Head of School, in my first headship, I have been delighted to receive fantastic mentoring and coaching from the Aurora Executive Team. I enjoy the Trust’s approach whereby, “heads run schools,” and have been given their autonomy to implement my own vision and values. I really appreciate this.”
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Anna Boyes
Teacher, The Gatwick School
“Upon first joining Aurora in September 2018, I immediately felt at home. An unparalleled sense of community, adoring students and a dynamic working environment, were just a few ways I would describe The Gatwick School. Interestingly, after three short months, I left to travel and experience other schools. Every day I was away, I missed it. Fortunately, Gatwick would have me back in September 2019 and supported me to stay as a sponsored worker for the foreseeable future. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I have been awarded here and know I've found not only a place of work, but a second family and home.”
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Charlotte Goswell
NQT, The Gatwick School
“The Aurora Academies Trust has had a hugely positive impact on my career. They have supported me in progressing from my previous role as a teaching assistant to my current role as a class teacher. They have given me the opportunity to attend university and complete my teacher training year, all while continuously working. The support I received during this transition was second to none, ensuring I was successful in my progression. Being part of the Trust was especially valuable to my progression as a teacher, as it has allowed me to liaise with a cluster of different schools and improve my practice.”
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Fran Meader
Senior Leader, King Offa Primary Academy
"I worked at my previous school for 23 years and never envisaged moving, however circumstances changed. Since joining Aurora I have not looked back! The Trust feels like being part of a family and the wealth of experience across Aurora is phenomenal.”
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Yvonne Streeter
School Administrator, Heron Park Primary Academy
“I have worked for Aurora Academies Trust since the beginning (2012) and have found them to be a caring and proactive Trust. The top Trust leaders have always made me feel that I am a valued and respected member of the Aurora Family. I count myself lucky that they chose to work with my school."
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Jackie Handley
Teaching Assistant, City Academy Whitehawk
"Since Aurora have taken over at our school, it has been a very safe and happy place to work. I feel that Aurora treat their employees like a family and I really appreciate it.”
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Imogen Skelley
School Business Manager, Heron Park Primary Academy
“Being a School Business Manager with Aurora Academies Trust is never dull! I'm always busy and no two days are the same. It's a great combination of working alongside colleagues in my own school and also sharing information and best practice with those working in the other schools in the Trust. Either way, it's good to be working with so many people who are all determined to give the children in our care the best possible education and self-belief for the future.”
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Tina Greenwood
Trust Safeguarding Officer, retired September 2019
“There was a strong sense of being part of an overarching and caring family; whilst allowing independence and autonomy in each school.”
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John Greenwood
Regional Director of Education, retired August 2018
“I joined the Trust in its early days. I enjoyed the collegiate and family feel. I particularly valued the generous time allocated for CPD to drive school improvement across all Aurora Academy schools.”
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Dave Bailey
Parent and LAB member, City Academy Whitehawk
“My experience as a governor with Aurora has been really positive and the Trust provided stability and support for the school at an important time. It has been good to see members of the previous governing body being valued and given extended opportunities within the Trust. Every member of the school community is given the opportunity for development and growth. I know personally the Trust is on hand to support me and advise me in my role if I ever need it. I really appreciate it.”
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Karen Rolfe
Parent and LAB member, Heron Park Primary Academy
“I have been with Aurora Academies Trust schools, both as a parent and Chair of a LAB, for many years now. It’s like one big family, being able to work with other schools within the trust. The experience and knowledge I have gained, has given me confidence to keep on going forward.”
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Ofsted comment
City Academy Whitehawk, December 2018
“Strong governance from Trustees and the Local Academy Board ensures that there are rigorous systems in place to hold leaders to account for making improvements.”
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Ofsted comment
King Offa Primary Academy, January 2020
“Trust leaders’ work and partnerships with other Trust schools benefit the school’s improvement journey. For example, Trust-wide teacher exchanges with schools in the USA support teachers’ professional development. The work of Trustees and Trust leaders is well placed to support the school further.”
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Ofsted comment
Heron Park Primary Academy, January 2020
“The CEO and the Director of Education from the Trust have supported the school closely.”
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