Dr Campbell was welcomed by Year 1 student Harrison and Katie from Year 3, as well as Principal Jo Fallowell. They started the tour in the nursery where Dr Campbell visited classrooms and saw the outside learning environment. Then it was on to the restaurant where he heard about the lunch and catering options and asked for feedback on the quality of the food.

He toured the library and newly refitted reception area and main corridor where displays on the school’s core values, attendance figures, and School Council reinforced the school’s expectations. The Student Council meets to discuss issues including behaviour, environment and learning and there is a great deal of staff and student collaboration on issues, with student opinion and new ideas acted upon when appropriate.

Dr Campbell saw the upper school classrooms and learned more about how the school evaluates each student’s work with personalised folders detailing their targets, achievements and aspirations with the data constantly updated as they progress through school

Dr Campbell visited the Rainbow room where specialist interventions are put in place and students have a range of fun activities to choose from. Then it was off to the playground where a sports session was in full swing.

He visited Year 6 classrooms, thanking students for their efforts in the recent SATs test beifore being introduced to Toby Currall, who has the achievement of having a 100% attendance record from joining the school in Reception until now in Year 5.

Finally Dr Campbell met with members of the school council to gauge their opinions of the school and learn more about their experience at Compass Primary Academy.

Afterwards he said: ‘The tour was an opportunity to meet staff and students and learn more about what we are doing well and which areas present further opportunities for growth. Compass Primary Academy is an evolving school with great plans for the future. The students were very articulate and proud of their school, its learning environment and enrichment opportunities and they were very enthusiastic hosts. Thanks to everyone who made my visit so informative and valuable.’

A gallery of photos from the day is available here.