John Smeaton Academy has been on an exciting journey of transformation and now provides exceptional educational opportunities for local families here in East Leeds.

Since joining The GORSE Academies Trust in September 2021, a dedicated team of educationalists led by Sir John Townsley and Mrs Griffiths, have been driving this change: raising attainment, attendance, and aspirations.

As Chair of Governors, I’m delighted to lead a Governing Body that brings a wealth of experience both within and outside of education, providing scrutiny and challenge to decision-making as ‘critical friends’. In our roles, individually and collectively, we are active in the life of the academy, contributing to the overall strategic vision and improvement plans, as well as programmes that are intrinsic to and characteristic of all GORSE academies such as the 100 per cent attendance club and Enrichment ++.

Together, we have high expectations of our pupils, overshadowed only by the aspirations we hold for their futures.

French novelist Victor Hugo wrote:

“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life. The orderly arrangement of his time is like a ray of life which darts itself through all his occupations. But where no plan is laid, where the disposal of time is surrendered merely to the chance of incident, chaos will soon reign.”

At John Smeaton Academy, our staff work tirelessly to ensure that every pupil is prepared for the labyrinth of life. We leave nothing to the chance of incident. Our steadfast focus on standards and attainment, complimented by enrichment activities, gives our pupils a well-rounded education with a skillset they’ll need for further education and work. It is this focus that marks The GORSE Academies Trust out as the best-performing multi-academy trust in the region.

Finally, I know that choosing the right school for your child is a critical decision for any parent and carer. You shouldn’t be forced to transport your child to a school miles away to access a good education. You want your child to attend a local community school on your doorstep, where standards of education are high, so your child can leave school and enjoy a most busy life that is bursting with opportunity and fulfilment.

Here at John Smeaton Academy, we call this the ‘Gift of Choice’ and I’m delighted that you have chosen, or are in the process of choosing, to gift that opportunity to your child.