Proud school leaders were happy to be upstaged by a Year 7 student who gave a rousing speech outlining why Huntcliff School was the right choice. 

 Twelve-year-old Max Robson earned a huge round of applause after speaking to a packed hall of Year 6 pupils and their families during the Kirton in Lindsey academy’s annual Open Evening. 

He told them he was a “little nervous” before arriving at the school but need not have been. Transition days while still at primary before his arrival earlier this month had helped. 

“I think this is an amazing school and I’m really enjoying it here,” he said. “The teachers are great and  really respectful. 

“They are also friendly and kind. The facilities are great.” 

While it was larger than his primary, it was not too big and he had soon found his way around. 

“Marine conservation is one of my passions. I think I’m at the right school to take the right subjects to study at GCSE and help me pursue my ambitions. 

“If anybody asks me whether this is the right school to come to my answer is a massive yes. I’d highly recommend Huntcliff.” 

The audience also heard from interim Head Teacher Adam Edwards who said the school had been transformed over the last 12 to 18 months. 

“We need to drive aspiration that the community desires and hopes for, giving children the best chance to strive and develop and get the education they deserve.” 

Outcomes in GCSEs taken during the summer had held strong and improved on 12 months ago. 

“Tonight is a chance to showcase the fantastic work that happens in school. Our wonderful students are bouncing at the opportunity to showcase their school. 

“Please take the opportunity to talk to them and staff to find out what it is like to study at Huntcliff.” 
 

The school’s size gives staff the chance to get to know every child. 

“This is a small, nurturing, community school where students feel safe, are listened to and given the opportunity to get the best possible outcomes to improve their life chances,” said Mr Edwards. 

Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust Martin Brown and Executive Principal Philip Dickinson also spoke. 

The Trust, with a proven track record of transforming schools, is supporting Huntcliff in a Department for Education scheme. An announcement to confirm it will take full responsibility for the school is expected any time. 

 “Huntcliff has made tremendous progress in the last year. We are here to accelerate that and give as much support as we can,” Mr Brown said. 

Mr Dickinson, who has overseen Louth Academy’s transformation to an Ofsted ‘good’ rating and is providing executive leadership for Huntcliff, said: “This is a really exciting time to be at Huntcliff and I’m 100% confident we can continue this improvement trajectory.” 

Year 6 pupils enjoyed taking part in the wide variety of activities that gave them a taste of life at Huntcliff. 

Having looked around Theo Howard (10), currently at Scotter Primary, said: “I want to come to this school.” 

Students supported teachers with the activities. 

Chloe Gray and Lilly-Anne Townsend, both from Year 9, were helping children detect starch in food. 

“I’ve done the Open Evening every year I’ve been here,” said Chloe. “I really like showing other children what it’s like at Huntcliff. The evening is fun.” 

For those parents / carers of Year 6 children who could not make the Open Evening and want to know more, please request a visit by contacting the school on admin.huntcliffcomp@northlincs.gov.uk or 01652 648276.