Ryburn is a school with its values at its heart and students who learn so much more than what’s tested in exams. We are proud to have been awarded the prestigious ‘School of Character Kitemark Plus’ in recognition of best practice in developing good character in young people, only the third such award to be given in the country at this higher level. The award, which considers the culture, ethos and practical examples of character development across the school, has been developed in response to growing recognition of the role of character education in successful schools.
Assessors from the Association of Character Education visited our school in November to evaluate our work in this area. They were particularly impressed by the passion and culture for character development, paired with a strategic plan to embed core values, wellbeing and personal skills at the core of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. As well as meeting school leaders and staff, they also met a cross section of students and praised their attitudes and their understanding of their own development, and ability to link character traits with success in the classroom and beyond.
“To be one of only a handful of schools to achieve this accolade is humbling. Reading the report for the first time brought tears to my eyes because it describes perfectly the truly great, ethically motivated school we have become and recognises the amazing work undertaken by staff and students who embody our vision every day. ”
