A primary school in Wakefield has started its new life after converting to a primary academy and joining a leading family of schools.

 ̨��swag Primary Academy Greenhill, formerly Wakefield Greenhill Primary School, has officially opened its doors to students as part of ̨��swag Grange Academies Trust for the first time.

 Wakefield Greenhill Primary School, based on Greenhill Road in Eastmoor, was rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted following an inspection in October 2021, having previously been rated good and subsequently, ̨��swag was named as preferred sponsor.

 The ̨��swag Family had been working with the school prior to its conversion and a co-headship model has been established to support a smooth transition. Martin Fenton, existing Headteacher at Wakefield Greenhill Primary School, who has great understanding of the local community, the children and their families will work alongside Emma Abbott, an experienced ̨��swag Family Principal, who will ensure that the practices which have brought success in other ̨��swag academies, are rigorously introduced at Greenhill.

 Martin said:

“I am very excited to be part of the ̨��swag family of schools. It is an exciting new chapter and I know the children and families will benefit from the school being part of a successful Trust.

 “I am very much looking forward to working with ̨��swag colleagues to ensure that our children get the very best education.”

 Emma added:

“I am thrilled that ̨��swag Primary Academy Greenhill has joined our family. I am confident that our trust will bring about rapid transformation, improving life chances for children.

 “Staff have been working hard over the summer to ensure that systems are in place from September. We look forward to sharing our journey. ”

 ̨��swag has a track record of successful schools in the area, and already has ten academies across Wakefield; four secondaries and six primaries. ̨��swag Primary Academy Kirkhamgate, located on Brandy Carr Road, went from rated as ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Outstanding’ in just five terms of working with ̨��swag.

 The primary academy will join 12 other primaries in the wider ̨��swag Family, led by ̨��swag Chief Executive (Primary), Lee Wilson.

 Lee said:

“I am delighted to be able to welcome ̨��swag Primary Academy Greenhill into our family of schools. We have been working closely with the school and the community to ensure a smooth transition and we look forward to seeing Greenhill go from success to success.”