News

Hensall Community Primary School has joined Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, marking an exciting new chapter for the school, its pupils, and the wider community.

The move reflects a shared commitment to providing a high-quality education, strengthening collaboration and ensuring long-term sustainability. By joining Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, Hensall will benefit from being part of a well-established and highly regarded trust, with access to a strong network of expertise, shared resources and proven systems that support school improvement.

Pathfinder was formed in August 2016, initially between just four schools based in the east side of York. Nearly ten years later, the trust has grown to 19 schools, serving more than 6,600 children and young people in schools across York and North Yorkshire.

Since autumn 2023, Hensall has worked closely with the White Rose Federation, alongside Barlow CE Primary School, Burton Salmon Community Primary School and Chapel Haddlesey CE Primary School. These three schools previously joined Pathfinder in November 2024. Hensall now completes this group as the fourth school to join the Federation under the Pathfinder family of schools.

Suzanne Keeler, Executive Headteacher of Hensall and the White Rose Federation, said: “We are incredibly proud of the work we have achieved alongside our colleagues in the White Rose Federation. Joining Pathfinder is a natural next step in our journey.

It allows us to build on our strong foundations while benefiting from the wider opportunities and support that come with being part of a well-established trust. Most importantly, it ensures that we can continue to provide the very best education for our children and community.”

Pathfinder has a strong track record of supporting its schools to achieve positive inspection outcomes, improve performance and secure crucial capital investment. This expertise has already helped Hensall secure a school-based nursery capital funding grant to enhance its early years provision, which will open next academic year.

Andrew Daly, CEO of Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted that Hensall Community Primary School has joined Pathfinder. The school has a strong track record of collaboration through its existing links with the White Rose Federation.

We are looking forward to building on these successes to provide even greater opportunities for pupils, staff, and the wider community.”

As part of Pathfinder, Hensall Community Primary School will continue to retain its unique identity and strong community ethos, while benefiting from enhanced professional development opportunities for staff, improved curriculum expertise and access to wider networks of collaboration and support.

This partnership represents a positive and forward-looking step, ensuring that the school remains well-positioned to thrive and deliver the best possible education for many years to come.