Northampton Academy is among one of the first in the country to be awarded the ‘School of Character Kitemark’ in recognition of best practice in developing good character in young people. The award, which considers the culture, ethos and practical examples of character development across the school, has been developed in response to growing recognition of the role of character education in successful schools.
The academy is dedicated to delivering an education with character, through giving students a rich array of opportunities – inside the classroom and beyond – that nurture character, compassion and service and give them the tools they need to become successful young adults. This includes leadership opportunities, regular inspirational speakers and business mentoring.
In receiving recognition, Mr Parnell explained, “We believe that sustainable change in our community can only come through the students themselves having a good moral compass and a strong sense of their own values. Education with character is about teaching students to do the right thing even when no one is listening and becoming confident, resilient and compassionate young people."
“To achieve this, we consciously work to embed this practice across our school ethos and curriculum and track the impact on our students, rather than leaving it to chance. We are therefore delighted to have our progress recognised through this Kitemark and look forward to continuing to work with Jubilee Centre in the future.”
Gary Lewis, founding member and chair of the Association, thanked the school and its staff for their commitment to Character Education by explaining that, “The Schools of Character Kitemark is awarded to schools that can demonstrate that they take an explicit, planned and reflective approach to the cultivation of positive character qualities in their pupils in the interests of human flourishing. Northampton Academy is a terrific example and it is with great pleasure that we welcome the School with a proven strength at developing the character of their young people.”
The process of being awarded the Kitemarks is designed to help schools to develop and enhance their character education provision. The award is not just the recognition of good practice but also supports schools to develop desirable character qualities that contribute to individual as well as broader societal flourishing.
Tom Harrison was one of those involved in reviewing our progress towards our status as a School of Character, he commented that, “It is evident that the school’s values were thought out carefully and debated by all stakeholders, including pupils, before being adopted. Experience and research have shown that the senior leadership of the school is a key determinant in ensuring that a successful character programme impacts on both attainment, modelled values and pupils’ well-being."
“The Principal and his Vice-Principal are passionate about driving the character agenda and the Academy is commended for adding to this strong senior leadership with the recent appointment of a Director of Character, tasked with ensuring that all development plans are impregnated with a strong commitment to values-driven education. His role will be vital in driving the character education agenda both within the school and outwards to the local community which it serves, including parents.”