Red Oak Primary School in Lowestoft is delighted to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the “School of the Year” category at the prestigious National Schools Awards.

The awards take place annually, recognising excellence across the education sector, with overall winners announced at a ceremony at the House of Lords in December. 

Red Oak was nominated by Active Learning Trust and joins just four other schools on the shortlist for the “School of the Year” award category. This category looks to celebrate a school that has delivered huge improvements for their pupils’ outcomes; improved exam results year on year; introduced a new and innovative curriculum with tangible results; overcome a challenge or simply worked tirelessly to ensure the success of their school and the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

There are many areas where Red Oak’s achievements and commitment have shone through. A few of these excellent achievements include:
●    90% of pupils are reaching or exceeding the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2, putting the school in the top 2 percent of primary schools in the country.
●    The school has sustained an attendance rate of 98% for the last four years.
●    Following the introduction of new sporting events, the school has gained over 100 first place trophies in the last few years.
●    Donations have helped develop a sensory room for pupils and a community library for families. 
●    The school’s Diversity Project has succeeded in linking prominent people from all faiths and cultures to each curriculum subject, inviting them to contribute to assemblies so pupils can learn about their backgrounds.

Red Oak Primary School has also received many quality marks including the Inclusion Quality Mark and the Race Charter Mark, and subject quality marks including those for RE, Science, History, Geography and Science.

Heather Madsen, Headteacher at Red Oak Primary School, said:

“We are so pleased to have been nominated and shortlisted for such a prestigious award. This in itself is a significant achievement we can celebrate as a whole school community. 

“All children deserve our very best and we are completely dedicated to inspiring all our pupils and supporting them to achieve their full potential while developing our strong partnerships with the local community.

“Thank you to all our staff, pupils, parents and the wider school community for the care and support you continue to show our school - it makes all the difference.”

Lynsey Holzer, CEO at Active Learning Trust, said:

“Everyone at Active Learning Trust is well aware of how wonderful Red Oak is and the exceptional work of Mrs Madsen, the leadership team and all staff, as well as the important role played by pupils, parents and the wider community from Red Oak. It is truly wonderful to see this being recognised at a national level. 

“We are all very proud that Red Oak Primary School has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award.”