Academy Success Stories
Taking Accelerated Reader into the future at Skegness Academy
Skegness Academy, Skegness
Skegness Academy wanted to share their success with Accelerated Reader with us even though they've not been using it for very long! We spoke to Kerry Cussons, Learning Resource Assistant, about her first impression.
Making gains across the whole curriculum
Hans Price Academy, Weston-super-Mare
Hans Price Academy in Weston-super-Mare has around 950 pupils and has been using Accelerated Reader for four years. We spoke to their librarian about the changes it has made across the school.
Unlocking the value of Star Assessments
River Beach Primary School, Littlehampton
River Beach Primary School is part of Schoolsworks Academy Trust and is located in Littlehampton, West Sussex. It has one of the largest percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals in the local authority. We spoke to Joe Neale, who was the English lead during the implementation of Accelerated Reader in 2015 and has since gone on to become an assistant headteacher and the lead for English and AR at the school, about the success they've had with Renaissance!
Helping to provide and nurture a lifelong core skill
Northampton International Academy, Northampton
Northampton International Academy first opened its doors in September 2016 and currently its Year 7 and 8 pupils use Accelerated Reader. In July 2019, Northampton International Academy had its first Ofsted inspection and was graded ‘Good’, with specific praise given to their strong reading culture. Tracey Frohawk, the Learning Resource Centre Manager at the school, has been instrumental in the integration of AR.
Accelerated Reader school announced as Secondary School of the Year!
Cathedral Academy, Wakefield
Cathedral Academy, in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has been crowned Secondary School of the Year in the Tes School Awards 2019! We spoke with Judy Pescod, the school librarian, about how the features of Accelerated Reader and Star Reading have helped grow Cathedral Academy to the impressive institute it is today…
“I’ve seen the change in my pupils and in my own children.”
Keresley Grange Academy, Coventry
As a headteacher and a parent, Nicky Penlington couldn't be happier with the changes she has seen across her school, including in her own children, since they started using Accelerated Reader in 2015.
From Special Measures to Good, supported by Accelerated Reader
Coupals Primary Academy, Haverhill
Previously, Coupals Primary Academy was in Special Measures and students were below the national average for KS2 SATs. But with the support of Renaissance Accelerated Reader™, it is now rated 'Good' by Ofsted and their pupils have been achieving above national average results at the end of KS2 SATs for the past three years.
How we raised literacy levels in our Year 7 and 8 students
by Nadia Ward and Debbie Kennedy, Wilmington Academy, Dartford
Wilmington Academy is a mixed, non-selective secondary academy and part of the Leigh Academies Trust, with a much higher ratio of boys to girls (65% vs. 35%). Nadia Ward (Assistant Principal & Director of Literacy) and Debbie Kennedy (Academy Librarian) share their story on how they raised literacy levels in their school.
Assessment made easy at Manor Leas Junior Academy
by Chelsea Sandbrook, Assistant Head Teacher
Manor Leas Junior Academy is a large Junior (KS2 only) school in Lincoln, aiming to provide pupils with an innovative curriculum to engage them in their learning. They recently became a Master School - an award celebrating best-practices in reading engagement. Chelsea Sandbrook, Assistant Head Teacher at the school, shares her experience of tracking and monitoring pupil progress over the years.
How to embed literacy across the curriculum
The Hurlingham Academy, Fulham, London
Using Accelerated Reader and designated silent reading time, Hurlingham Academy have seen improvements in attitudes towards reading, and the time spent doing it.