Testimonials

There’s something special about Airedale Academy. It’s the sense of belonging, the warmth of the people, and the shared belief that every pupil can achieve their very best. Our academy is filled with pride, ambition, and care,  a community where every day, staff and pupils work together to create something truly special: a place where everyone feels supported, inspired, and proud to belong.

Staff Testimonials

Miss D. Lowe (Teacher of PE)

“Being a teacher at this academy has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, I have worked here teaching Physical Education for 6 years and I have seen and been a part of the journey the school has gone through. Every day, I get the opportunity to inspire and guide young minds, helping them discover their potential and grow both academically and personally. The sense of community among my colleagues and the joy of seeing pupils succeed makes teaching more than just a job, it’s a passion. I feel privileged to be part of this academy and I can honestly say I am so proud to be a teacher here”

Mrs S Radford (Curriculum Leader of Maths)

“Working at Airedale Academy is genuinely rewarding — I feel consistently supported in my role as a middle leader, with clear communication, trust, and opportunities to grow. I’m fortunate to lead a fantastic team of dedicated teachers who bring energy, expertise, and care to everything they do. The pupils are incredibly respectful and responsive; they truly value the relationships we build and understand the positive impact we have on their futures.

Mr J Schofield (Year Leader)

“Working for a trust and alongside a leadership team that support, champion and guide their staff is truly refreshing and allows me to look forward to entering the academy every morning. We have a unique community spirit, exciting opportunities for staff and pupils and a clear commitment to ensuring excellence is always strived for which makes us stand out. As a middle leader for year 10 and 11, I feel honoured to be able to guide and support pupils through such important years of their educational careers, thus helping them secure their next destinations. We have a real sense of teamwork between staff and pupils, and this is what makes it an exceptionally rewarding place to work”.

Miss A. Blaikie (Curriculum Leader of English)

“From my Initial Teacher Training to Middle Leadership, my 12 year journey at Airedale Academy has been supportive and completely fulfilling.  The team ethos of the staff body makes for incredible professional relationships where people help and develop each other.  I am most proud of the warmth, inclusivity and support we offer young people, and their families, while providing a challenging and engaging curriculum.  The people who work here are passionate about embracing and enhancing the community we teach in and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many talented members of staff at all levels”.

Mrs K Wilson (Lead Practitioner, English)

“Having started my teaching career at Airedale Academy in 2011, I am thoroughly committed to this school community. Airedale Academy offers a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for pupils and staff. Throughout my career, professional development has been consistently encouraged and supported. Ultimately, this has ensured that I am able to support pupils and fulfil my role, as Literacy Lead, with confidence. Continually, through positive daily interactions with our pupils, I am reminded about exactly what led to me a career in teaching. It is a privilege to support the pupils of Airedale Academy.”

Pupil Testimonials

Connie Carr – Year 11 Head Girl

‘Throughout my time at Airedale Academy, I have grown both academically and personally. I love working alongside teachers and pupils to pursue big events we have in school such as the Rob Burrow Varsity and parents evenings. Taking on the responsibility of head student strengthened my confidence and has shown me the importance of our core values of Care, Aspire, Succeed. I am so grateful to Airedale Academy and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of being a pupil in this school’.

Luke Barnsley – Year 11 Head Boy

‘Here at Airedale Academy we all thrive and grow through the education. The staff at Airedale are encouraging and help us develop in our understanding. They guide us on the right path and support us whenever we need that extra help. All staff are so enthusiastic and really care about us succeeding and supporting us through the power of education. I’m so proud to be a pupil here and I have thrived throughout my 5 years here’.

Katie Goodall – Year 10

‘I wholeheartedly believe that Airedale Academy is going to be the future. There is something for everyone, with a wide range of subjects and many extracurricular activities. Every teacher puts 100% into us all and I have never met someone more passionate about Airedale Academy than our headteacher Mr Percival. We are more than just a school, we are a community and we don’t embody our values of care, aspire and succeed because we have to, rather because we believe in them!’

Edward Simpson – Year 10

“Being at Airedale Academy has taken me on a journey, and I can honestly say I have learned so much here. I have received a high-quality education from the brilliant staff we have. We live by our core values of Care, Aspire, Succeed, which not only help us within school and the community but also inspire us to strive for success in the real world.”

Taliyah Chomba Kilbride – Year 10

‘I love coming to school knowing I am supported by amazing staff, who provide high quality education. School is a place where I can connect with other students and we are all here to strive for our goals. I can express myself here at Airedale Academy and I feel I belong here’.

Finn Hargreaves – Year 7

‘When I first started here at Airedale Academy, I was anxious, nervous and in shock at how big the school was. But having completed my first half term here I can honestly say I have gained so many opportunities and made some great friends. The teachers support me and guide me to be the best version of myself. I have gained more confidence when speaking to others and built up the courage to apply to be a pupil leader in school. I can’t wait to spend my high school years at Airedale Academy and I am excited for the journey ahead’.

 

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