RISE and Shine: Highfield Leadership Academy chosen for government support programme

Highfield Leadership Academy is one of the first 200 schools selected to take part in the Department for Education’s new Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence initiative (RISE). This will drive up standards at the school and give 1,100 pupils in Blackpool South a better chance of academic success.

Launched earlier this year, RISE is a targeted programme designed to support schools that have received consecutive Ofsted ratings of Requires Improvement or below. These “stuck” schools will now receive hands-on help from experienced education experts, known as RISE advisers, who bring knowledge from across academy trusts, school leadership and local authorities.

Highfield has over 1,100 pupils aged 11 to 16. Like many schools, it’s faced challenges over the years, particularly since becoming an academy in 2016. But this new support offers a real opportunity for change.

As part of the RISE programme, Highfield will receive:

• A tailored improvement plan based on the school’s specific needs

• Support from high-performing trusts and education experts

• Up to £100,000 in funding to put evidence-based improvements into action

Highfield has state of the art facilities but educational standards require improvement

When one school improves, the whole community benefits. Better teaching, improved behaviour and higher attendance at Highfield will mean brighter futures for young people and a knock-on effect right across Blackpool South.

RISE is about building long-term change and giving schools the tools they need to succeed. Highfield’s staff will work closely with their RISE advisers to make sure the support really makes a difference.

Every child in Blackpool South deserves a great education and this programme is part of making that happen.