Speaking at the ceremony, The Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford said: “I was delighted to be asked to bless The Harleston Sancroft Academy. It’s great to see two schools coming together in partnership and cooperation to strengthen what they can offer their students, ensuring they get the best possible start in life. My prayer is that this new Academy will be a blessing to the children and young people, to all the staff and parents, and to the wider community in this lovely part of South Norfolk.”
Richard Cranmer, CEO of St Benet’s Multi Academy Trust, said: “It has taken a lot of hard work from all our staff, particularly the leadership and business teams, to make Harleston Sancroft Academy come to life. I congratulate them all! We look forward to collaboratively working across the two phases – primary and secondary – for the benefit of our students.”
He added: “Harleston Sancroft Academy has an exciting new start and equally exciting future ahead for its children and staff. We have developed a Leadership Team that works across both phases, developing a shared approach to specific aspects of school life, with a clearly identifiable and shared vision for what we want our staff, children and their families to experience.”
Mr Robert Connelly, Headteacher of the Harleston Sancroft Academy said: “Becoming an All Through School represents a very significant milestone for this very special community. We have fantastic working relationships across both phases and we look forward to further enhancing our shared approach, ensuring and enabling every child and adult to thrive.”
Ms Kirsten Parker, Head of School – Secondary Phase said: “Although each stage in a child’s educational journey is unique, we are delighted that the creation of Harleston Sancroft Academy will enable us to work ever closer, ensuring that our students fulfil their potential to become happy, confident and capable members of society.”
Mr Mark Carlyle, Head of School – Primary Phase said: “The All Through School will present so many wonderful opportunities for the children, staff and parents to work alongside our secondary partners and to contribute to our collective vision of living ‘life in all its fullness.’”
