Barclay Primary School

I started work at Barclay in January 2003 as an administrator in the tiny infant school office! A job, I thought to fit in with my home life and school holidays! 14 years later I am still here and would like to think I am an integral part of the school’s infrastructure as the Operations Manager. I have been part of the amazing journey that has seen the school grow from separate infant and junior schools to becoming a primary school and the founder member of the Lion Academy Trust and reaching the Ofsted rating that our school provides an ‘Outstanding’ education for its pupils. To put it simply, in my role I make sure that the children, parents/carers and staff are ‘looked after’. The scope for this is huge, from having enough sand in the sandpits, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations to organising community events. No two days are ever the same and every challenge is surmountable if approached with a positive attitude and sense of humour! Barclay has been at the heart of the very diverse local community for many years, a testament to this is the number of staff whose own children have or do attend the school and many were pupils themselves. Being part of the ‘Barclay Family’ has been such an important part of my life for so long that it is really my third child!

“I started working at Barclay eight years ago, a year out of my NQT year. I have had the opportunity to progress professionally from class teacher, through to Year Leader, Assistant Head Teacher and most recently onto Deputy Head Teacher. The professional development and career development opportunities at Barclay have been fantastic and the support network with staff in the school is another positive. As the school is so large, planning and sharing of resources is made so much easier through the collaboration with other teachers in the year group. The children at Barclay are very well behaved and their respect towards adults and peers alike is commented on by all who visit the school. We work in a very diverse area and ensure that this is celebrated across the school through displays, afternoon topics and school events. We are also a very well-resourced school in terms of ICT equipment, with every classroom having Google Chrome boxes, Chrome books and tablets. Barclay is a great place to work with supportive staff, fantastic kids and plenty of career opportunities.”

“I started working at Barclay two years ago as an administrative apprentice and, after four months of employment, I was offered a full-time job. Working at Barclay Primary is an exciting experience because every day there is something new to learn and a different challenge waiting for you to tackle - this keeps me constantly motivated. Everyone here is friendly, helpful and respectful which makes working here even better.”

“At Barclay the teachers are really fun. Recently, the senior leaders allowed us to throw water at them in an ice-bucket challenge to raise money for charity. All of the children in the school got to see it, it was so good!”

“I started working at Barclay as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2014. I’m currently a Lead Practitioner and a member of the school’s extended leadership team. My journey has been rapid and exciting. Through the academy trust’s own leadership professional development, I have grown as a credible leader who shares in the school’s vision and values. More than anything else, I feel valued, my opinion matters and the potential for growth is exponential. As a big school, we continue to grow year on year and it’s exciting to have new teachers join our family.”

“Barclay Primary School is a community in which pupils’ learning is uppermost on the agenda. Leaders do not allow lesser issues to detract from this priority. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are exemplary. Their determination to achieve their very best is promoted and supported exceptionally well by the school’s work.”