New head, new build, record results: 2024 a milestone year for Laureate Academy
A Hemel Hempsted secondary is having what is being described as a “milestone year” with the school celebrating a number of significant successes and achievements.
Laureate Academy, on Warners End Road, saw GCSE results in the summer strengthen by an average of half a grade for every student in every subject. As a result, it is expected to be one of the most improved schools in the region when the national data is released next month.
In addition, work has just commenced on a multi-million pound rebuilding programme that will see the school have brand new learning spaces by 2026, and fantastic new sports facilities in 2027.
Laureate Academy is part of Future Academies. Lawrence Foley, CEO of the Trust, said: “Let’s be clear, Laureate Academy has a history of being a strong school. Just last year, for example, it was graded Good in every area by Ofsted.
“We wanted to continue to build on that progress, as good should never be good enough. Under the leadership of our brilliant new Principal, Ruthie Jacobs, we have challenged ourselves to continue this positive momentum.”
Ruthie Jacobs joined the school in January after being part of senior leadership teams in Outstanding and Good Schools across London.
Ruthie added: “It is a bit of a cliché, but when the opportunity to lead Laureate Academy came along, I simply couldn’t ignore it.
“This is a fantastic community, with hugely talented young people. I could also see that there was real potential to enhance all the good work that was already being done - and I knew that with some fresh ideas we could have a significant impact relatively quickly. Our record results over summer showing that our students are gaining the knowledge and character to be able to thrive in their life beyond school.
“Furthermore, the chance to be able to put my stamp on a complete rebuild of most of our learning spaces is hugely exciting. The changes that we are making now will not only benefit our current students, but also those for decades to come.”
The new teaching block will see old teaching spaces demolished, with a new two-to-three storey building replacing it.
Ruthie continued: “The start of the construction work has got the whole school talking. The new building will give us some amazing learning spaces for subjects like art, science, drama and ICT – and that is going to help us continue on the very positive trajectory that we are on.”
Lawrence Foley concluded: “Schools are about so much more than bricks, mortar and outcomes. We firmly believe that a quality education is about experience and opportunity, and what I hope our parents can see is that we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring our students are given every chance to thrive.
“That is why 2024 is proving such a milestone year for the school. The efforts of so many people are coming together to have a real and lasting impact for Laureate’s students and community.”