Mary Astell Academy earns UK’s first bronze KITE Mark for Alternative Provision
Mary Astell Academy, part of Prosper Learning Trust, is proudly celebrating a landmark achievement as the first Alternative Provision school in the UK to be awarded the Bronze Inclusive Attendance KITE Mark Standard. Excellent achievement!
This prestigious recognition reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to improving attendance and ensuring every child and young person has the best possible opportunity to succeed.
Over the past year, Mary Astell Academy has been proud to share some of the fantastic progress being made in their school. Staff have been fully engaged in targeted CPD, underpinned by a four-stage strategic improvement plan that has already driven a 10% year-on-year increase in attendance. Pupil voice is now firmly at the centre of decision-making, and a culture of collective responsibility has been embedded across the whole school community.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a brilliant example of what can be accomplished when schools put inclusion at the heart of their work.
“Improving attendance is one of the most pressing challenges schools face, and it’s inspiring to see an Alternative Provision school leading the way nationally. We hope this success encourages other schools across the region to explore innovative, compassionate approaches to supporting every pupil’s right to education.”
Bright futures when inclusive strategies are put into action
Chris Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of Prosper Learning Trust, said: “Low attendance has been a deep-rooted challenge at Mary Astell for many years. Many of our young people face significant barriers to learning which can make engagement with education difficult.
The Inclusive Attendance approach resonates deeply with our values – it seeks to understand, not blame, and works in partnership with families to help young people re-engage with their education. This award is a testament to the determination, care, and understanding shown by our staff and our wider school community.”
Andrea Spowart, Head Teacher at Mary Astell Academy, added: “I am incredibly proud of our whole school community for achieving the Bronze KITE Mark. This award recognises the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our team over the past year.
“The 10% rise in attendance is proof of what can be achieved when staff, pupils, and families work together to put inclusive strategies into action.”
This achievement highlights not only the school’s success but also the power of collaboration, compassion, and perseverance in transforming attendance and outcomes for some of the region’s most vulnerable learners. Huge congratulations to all those involved.
Prosper Learning Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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