Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Oakthorpe Primary School Celebrates 100 Years of Education

  Tue 13 May 2025

  Oakthorpe Primary School proudly marked its centenary on 29th April, 2025, 100 years to the day since the school first opened its doors in its current location on School Street. The milestone event celebrated a rich history of learning, growth, and community spirit.

   

  Originally opened on 12th January 1925, Oakthorpe Primary began with a single long hall divided into classrooms by wooden partitions, able to accommodate up to 400 pupils. Prior to this, children in the village were taught in Wesleyan chapels on Chapel Street and Silver Street. Despite humble beginnings, the school has grown and evolved alongside the village it serves. Today, Oakthorpe Primary School is proud to be part of the Rise Multi-Academy Trust, continuing its legacy within a supportive network of schools committed to excellence and collaboration.

   

  In honour of its centenary, the school hosted a Victorian-themed celebration day, where pupils dressed in period attire and took part in immersive workshops to experience what school life was like a century ago. Later in the day, the school opened its doors to the local community for a special showcase of learning and local history. Pupils shared their research on the Victorian era and the school’s past, while visitors browsed original logbooks, old maps, and photographs. Many past pupils and former staff returned to reminisce and celebrate, enjoying traditional summer games, maypole dancing, and plenty of cake and ice cream.

   

  Special guests included members of the local community and generations of Oakthorpe pupils and staff, who were warmly welcomed to witness how the school has transformed over the decades.

   

  Among Oakthorpe’s more unusual claims to fame is former pupil Luke, who, at age seven, created a cartoon character called Fat Gourg, which later gained popularity in France—so much so that August 8th is now celebrated as Fat Gourg Day there. The school also boasts sporting success with alumnus Alex Pascanu, who played for Leicester City and now plays professional football in Spain.

   

  Physically, Oakthorpe Primary has seen significant changes. The original wooden partitions in the long hall are still partially visible in today’s classrooms. A 1930s addition known as the “Institute of Technology” was lost due to subsidence caused by a major underground fire in the 1980s—an event that impacted the whole village. Since then, a new hall, office space, and staff room have been added, and in October 2024, the school opened The Lodge, a dedicated learning space for its Year 5 and 6 pupils.

   

  Reflecting on the occasion, Headteacher Rachel Culpan said:

  “It is an honour to celebrate the school’s 100th anniversary and to share such rich history with our current and past pupils. The children were delighted to share their learning with members of the community and to have the opportunity to ask questions about what the school used to be like when past pupils and staff were in attendance. We were able to showcase the headteacher’s logbooks and punishment logs from as far back as 1927. I wonder what the next 100 years will have in store for Oakthorpe School!”

   

  

• Oakthorpe Primary School Continues to Excel Following Ofsted Praise

  Mon 17 Mar 2025

  Following an Ofsted inspection on 17th December 2024, Oakthorpe Primary School, part of the Rise Multi-Academy Trust, has been recognised for maintaining its high standards with pride. The report recognises that the school has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection” and continues to deliver high standards for pupils and the community. 

   

  The inspectors highlighted “Pupils enjoy the richness of life at Oakthorpe Primary School.”. The school’s dedication to enabling pupils to “flourish and succeed” reflects the values of Rise Multi Academy Trust. 

   

  The inspection noted the school prioritises reading, stating “there is a clear focus in ensuring that all pupils know the sounds that letters make. The books that pupils read are chosen with care so that pupils get the chance to practise blending sounds together. Many pupils write fluently and include sophisticated language when they write persuasive arguments or descriptive accounts.”  

   

  The report also highlighted the school’s high expectations of what pupils should know and do, pupils achieve well, and older pupils agree that they are ‘definitely ready’ for secondary school. Pupils conduct themselves well around school and are polite and courteous.  

   

  Headteacher Rachel Culpan expressed her pride in the school's achievement: 

  ”We are incredibly proud of our school community following our latest Ofsted report, which highlights the kindness and respect which define Oakthorpe Primary School. I’d like to thank our dedicated staff, fantastic children and supportive families for making our school such a special place to be. Together, we will continue to nurture a culture where ‘Kindness spreads kindness, and everyone at Oakthorpe is kind’. ” 

   

  The collaborative support from Rise Multi Academy Trust has also contributed significantly to the school's continued success. Everyone works together to effectively implement well-judged plans, many parents praise this new direction. Staff appreciate the professional development provided by the Trust and feel their workload is considered appropriately. Governors visit the school regularly to evaluate the impact of changes as well as to check on the well-being of staff.  

   

  To read the full Ofsted report, please visit the Ofsted website or click here: https://tinyurl.com/yx7zehb5  

• Appointment of new CEO

  Wed 29 Jan 2025

  We are delighted to share some exciting news about the leadership of our Trust. From 1st February 2025, Dave Ellison-Lee will become the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rise Multi Academy Trust. Dave has been a vital part of the Trust for several years, working as Director of Education and Deputy CEO alongside Mark Cole, as well as more recently being Interim CEO. He has played a key role in supporting our schools and ensuring the best outcomes for all children. With his vision, ambition, and commitment, we know Dave is the perfect person to lead the Trust into its next chapter, ensuring it continues to flourish and succeed.

   

  The decision to appoint Dave followed a rigorous and robust recruitment process, which involved input from Directors, school leaders, central team, and external advisers. The process ensured we identified the best possible candidate to lead the Trust, and we are confident that Dave’s skills, knowledge, and experience will see the Trust continue to thrive, ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their very best.

   

  This is an exciting time for our Trust, and we are confident that, under Dave’s leadership we will continue to go from strength to strength. Thank you, as always, for your continued support of your child’s education and well-being in our schools.

   

  Yours sincerely

  Stephen Adshead

  Chair of Directors

• Rise Multi Academy Trust Celebrates Opening of New Lodge at Oakthorpe Primary School

  Wed 13 Nov 2024

  Oakthorpe Primary School recently celebrated the grand opening of its new lodge, a dynamic space created to enhance pupil learning and support the school’s mission of community and growth.

   

  The opening ceremony was attended by Chair of Governors Mr. Foote and Headteacher Rachel Culpan, along with staff, pupils, and community members. This new lodge reflects Rise Multi Academy Trust’s dedication to building inspiring, inclusive environments where every pupil has the opportunity to flourish and succeed.

   

  “A new building is an exciting time for a small school and we are so proud to be opening The Lodge for our pupils. We have watched with anticipation as the building has taken shape, resulting in a beautiful learning space which ensures learners are safe, comfortable and able to fully focus on their learning. We welcome this addition to our school and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our entire school community” said Headteacher Rachel Culpan. 

   

  Now open for use, the lodge will serve as a hub for creativity, learning, and community engagement at Oakthorpe Primary.

   

  For more information, please visit https://risemat.co.uk.

   

  #FlourishandSucceed #NewLodge