“Inspirational” school goes from strength to strength

A fast-improving academy has been described by the local MP as ‘inspirational’ as it steps up its soaring improvements.

The King Alfred School Academy in Somerset has enjoyed a brilliant year after a raft of good news with an excellent new uniform including tie and blazer, an encouraging Ofsted visit, wonderful £1.2 site improvements and fast improving GCSE results.

It has also seen the launch of the Jill Dando News Centre and Britain’s first school-based scout group backed by Bear Grylls and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

And the school-based sixth form has achieved plaudits and statistics putting them as one of the best in the south west.

Now after a visit by local MP James Heappey to see the world’s biggest street art of King Alfred, he described the school as inspirational.

He said: “There is an amazing energy around The King Alfred School Academy and it was noticeable how everyone I spoke to from year seven to sixth form spoke positively about the changes in the school.

“These things don’t happen by accident. The staff and leadership at the school have put in a huge amount of effort to make these improvements over the last eighteen months and it’s so pleasing to see that hard work rewarded with such glowing reviews from our young people.”

Principal Nathan Jenkins said: “We are enthusiastic and excited but there is much more to come. The community, parents and carers are really behind the changes and what is happening. This is a real partnership.

“The students really look smart and ready for business in their uniform, and there is passion, positivity and expectation that more amazing things are about to happen.”

TKASA has been run by The Priory Learning Trust (TPLT) since 1st October and was assisted for a year before that.

Executive Principal of TPLT, Neville Coles said: “We have been relentless from the beginning on making the changes necessary to make TKASA an excellent school. There has been huge progress.”