We are full!

Penwortham Priory Academy is expanding again as the school is once more full for Year Sevens in the 2018/9 school year.

Last year, 175 signed up for Year 7 and Headteacher, Mr Eastham, had to employ extra staff to cope with the demand.

This year, the maximum 180 students want to start at Priory in September and that’s a huge boost for the school which had just 100 pupils signed up in 2011.

“It’s got to the stage where we are having to turn students away which we don’t like doing,” said Mr Eastham.

“We don’t like disappointing students but, because of numbers, it is just not possible.

“It is great to see that our pupil numbers have continued to grow alongside our academic outcomes and pastoral reputation.

“We employed four new members of staff last September to cope with the growing demand from students who wanted to learn with us and we will be adding to our numbers this year.”

Priory celebrated strong GCSE results last year as 71 per cent of our pupils achieved Grade 4-9 in English; 70 per cent achieved Grade 4-9 in Maths and 60 per cent acquired Grade 4-9 in Maths and English.

There has also been substantial building work at the school over the years with a new technology block, a new languages and humanities building, a state-of-the-art science block and a new school gym. An impressive £1.4m IT block is currently being built which will also have a community space.

“We are delighted that the dedication of staff is paying off with our increased numbers and the new facilities do also make a difference to the learning experience,” added Mr Eastham. “It’s an exciting time to be at Priory.”

Letters will be sent out shortly to pupils who have been offered a place and will include details of induction.