This is my final blog of the academic year and what a year it has been!

A new school, Hollinwood Academy, not only open on schedule but unbelievably popular and with the most outstanding children and young people.

Another huge expansion in numbers at both New Bridge School and the Learning Centre.

A move to modern, town centre premises for our post 19 young people at Horizons, our Future Finders students and some of our pathway learners.

An expansion of our Multi Academy Trust with the imminent arrival of Spring Brook School.

A Free School bid for our post 16 learners currently at Spring Brook, presently called ‘the Spring Board Project.’

An overall increase in our pupil, student and young person numbers to over 550!

An increase in our staff team with over 80 new colleagues joining us on our journey.

There have been too many highlights this year to begin to detail them here. I am, however, going to ensure that the weekly blogs are collated and placed onto an archive section on the website. When you look back on them it is quite phenomenal to see our combined successes and I’m sure you will all have your favourite memories.

We have also had to deal with incredible lows. Coping with Tracy’s untimely passing rocked our Group – it is still difficult for us to believe. Tracy and her family remain very much in our thoughts and prayers.

What amazes me, in today’s media, is how negatively both schools and young people can be portrayed, often featuring as the unwanted headline! I see the most optimistic and skilled staff striving to offer learning experiences that aim to empower and enable our children and young people on a daily basis. I observe staff, sometimes working in stressful situations, maintaining a positive outlook and trying to find solutions to the challenges that at times our children can bring with them. I meet parents and families who value our schools, academies and provisions. I work alongside community trustees, directors and governors who give of their time and considerable skills freely and without publicity. Maybe some of these newspapers and media outlets need to come to Oldham for a shot of optimism. I know that when I show people our Group they go back to all parts of the country empowered.

Thank you for your continued support – your kind words, this week, on Facebook and on our website as well as our gifts and cards are really appreciated. I would like to finish this term by wishing our staff who are retiring and or moving on our sincerest thanks. All of us are part of this journey; we all play our part, none more or less important. So to Sarah, John, Jane, Alana and Barbara, you move on with our love and very best wishes.

Have a brilliant summer,

Graham