THE writing is on the wall for a primary school as a literacy expert takes over as head teacher.
Jonny Davies, who has worked internationally and in the UK, is now at the helm leading Keeble Gateway Academy, Thirsk, into a bright future.
Born and educated in Leeds, Mr Davies read ancient history at Cardiff University before undergoing teacher training back in his home city and teaching in schools across North Yorkshire and Leeds.
He also worked for an education technology start-up company, gave talks and lectures and attended conferences internationally and led writing workshops in the UK, Europe and the UAE, often in the Middle East in schools with 4,000 pupils, where he would teach barefoot to a class of 1,000.
Back as a headteacher in Yorkshire he became involved with rapid school improvement in a number of schools.
Mr Davies also worked with a research school looking at metacognition – understanding children’s thought processes – in the classroom.
“I have always loved teaching, understanding children’s brain development and how they best learn,” he said.
As head teacher of Keeble Gateway Academy Mr Davies joins the Elevate Multi Academy Trust, one of 10 MATs which work with the Diocese of Leeds, which he had previously worked alongside in mainstream and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
“My mantra is ‘visible leadership’ and I am enjoying being on the school gate every morning and afternoon building relationships with families,” he said.
“I am interested in behaviour and a new approach to pastoral care which improves nurturing and the positive culture in school. I want school life to be steeped in positivity.
“We will be sharpening our teaching and learning and developing our curriculum offer, as well as maximising the opportunities that are working well in other Elevate schools. I’m looking forward to using Trust resources to make improvements.”
Mr Davies said the school would also be working to improve inclusion by boosting Social-Emotional Health and Mental Wellbeing (SEMH) and SEND provision.
Keeble Gateway Academy opened in 2019 to serve a newly built housing estate in Sowerby. It currently has around 204 pupils on roll, from nursery age to Year 6, and has a staff of around 20. It was rated good by Ofsted at its last inspection in 2024.
“It is one of the best schools I have worked in for facilities, space, its well-thought out layout and outdoor play areas,” said Mr Davies, who is married with two children aged four and seven and used to play cricket for Yorkshire Schools alongside England's spin bowler Adil Rashid and England and Yorkshire batter Adam Lyth.
“The classrooms are light, airy and modern. The hall is a real asset as it is like an auditorium with excellent soundproofing and great acoustics. There’s also a forest school. The facilities here are first rate and inspiring.
“But to be the flagship school of Elevate we need to demonstrate exceptional practice and become a pillar of strength in the community. The new community here is developing all the time and the way it will develop is by the school being at its centre, with a great reputation, as more and more families move into the area. They must have a great school, with exceptional education, to send their children to.”
Mr Davies said all the children had been involved in recent performing arts events which parents and carers had flocked to attend and children had also been into the community, including visiting a nursing home to play games with residents.
“It is all about relationships for me,” he said. “It’s about having brilliant relationships with the children, parents and carers, staff and the community. It’s about knowing every child. Children have to want to be in school so their learning experience has to be enjoyable and fun. As staff we have to show enthusiasm which is infectious.
“The children need boundaries and clarity but they also have to like you and have fun. We will also be increasing the number of opportunities for families to come into school to attend new celebration assemblies.”