Our Governing Body, Leadership Team, and I share a clear vision for our school. We are committed to securing the best possible outcomes for our students and the wider community we serve. In 2012, we chose to become an academy, allowing us the freedom to make decisions that best benefit our children and families. As an academy, we operate independently from the Local Authority, which means there are some differences in the way we do things compared to other schools.
Visitors often comment on how well-organised, safe, and calm our school is. From a professional perspective, we are proud to provide an environment where all pupils thrive and reach their full potential academically and emotionally. Our dedicated teaching and support staff work hard to make learning engaging, arranging visits to exciting destinations such as Washington Old Hall to explore Tudor history, religious sites like synagogues and mosques to learn about different faiths, or taking older students on a residential weekend at Robinwood in Alston, where they participate in a variety of physical and mental challenges. We are immensely proud of our school and our children, always striving to uphold high standards of achievement, exemplary manners, and a positive attitude toward both learning and social interactions.
At Riverside, we set high expectations for both academic and personal growth. We expect all children to attend school regularly to maximise their learning potential, and to be punctual and ready to begin their day. We do not permit holidays during term time, and we closely monitor attendance, following up with parents and carers where necessary, as we believe that learning can only take place when children are present. We also expect students to behave respectfully, and we encourage parents and carers to reinforce this expectation at home.
During our last Ofsted inspection, we received praise in all areas of the school, with our overall rating being ‘Good’ and the behaviour of our children described as ‘Outstanding.’ Our motto, ‘Riverside Primary Academy…raising pupil aspirations,’ reflects our commitment to nurturing each child, providing a quality education, and instilling the belief that they can one day attend the university of their choice.
We welcome your feedback and encourage you to visit our school while children are present, so you can experience the vibrant, joyful atmosphere that makes Riverside such a special place. Seeing the school in action will help you understand why our children love being here.
