Dudley Academies Trust News Feed - Latest News

Poetic Brilliance Shines at Dudley Academies Trust's Grand Finale

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:46:13 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust proudly held the Trust-wide Primary and Secondary School Poetry By Heart Final Competition, showcasing the performance talents of learners across their schools. Each of the seven schools within the Trust has embraced the national Poetry By Heart competition, embedding it across their curriculum to foster a love for poetry and creativity among learners.

Greenfield Primary School Pupils Welcomed into Dudley Academies Trust

Fri, 5 Dec 2025 10:08:45 GMT

Greenfield Primary School became part of Dudley Academies Trust on 1st November 2025, marking an exciting new chapter for pupils, staff, and the school community.

Greenfield Primary School joins Dudley Academies Trust

Tue, 4 Nov 2025 13:56:49 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust is pleased to announce that, following a period of consultation with the school community, Greenfield Primary School, Stourbridge officially joined our Trust on 1 November 2025.

Safer Schools, Brighter Futures: Dudley Academies Trust Enhances Security Measures

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 12:36:45 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust is enhancing security measures by installing screening arches at the entrances of its secondary schools. This initiative, commencing in the Autumn Term 2025, is part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all members of the school community.

Sustaining Success Across Dudley Academies Trust

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:05:05 GMT

Year 11 learners in all of Dudley Academies Trust’s secondary schools celebrated their results today.

Dudley Academies Trust Year 7 Awards 2025

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:40:16 GMT

The Dudley Academies Trust (DAT) Year 7 Awards ceremony was a wonderful occasion held on Thursday, 10th July 2025 at the Black Country and Marches Institute of Technology. This prestigious event recognised the exceptional talents and accomplishments of Year 7 learners across various categories. The awards not only celebrated academic excellence but also highlighted the learners' contributions to their communities, extracurricular achievements, leadership qualities, and more.

The event was hosted by Ms Higgins, CEO of Dudley Academies Trust and Mrs Edwards-Morgan, Principal at The Link Academy who had led on the Trust-wide development of the Year 7 Awards for secondary. The new awards encapsulate the Trust values and recognise the achievements of learners both academically but also outside of the curriculum.

The event featured a captivating performance by Aaron from The Link Academy, who impressed the audience by reciting his poetry by heart and had previously been awarded regional finalist. Fatima from St James Academy also wowed the crowd with her remarkable talent, having achieved the status of a national finalist and even performed at the prestigious Globe Theatre in London.

Dudley Academies Trust Technology Showcase 2025: A Triumph of Innovation and Talent

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:52:19 GMT

The Dudley Academies Trust Technology Showcase 2025, held on Tuesday, 1st July, was a spectacular success, highlighting the remarkable talent and creativity of our learners. The event, brought together learners from various year groups and showcased their innovative projects and achievements.

Star Poet Heads to Shakespeare’s Globe

Mon, 19 May 2025 13:39:18 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust is thrilled to announce that Fatima, a talented learner from St James Academy, Dudley has emerged as a finalist in the prestigious Key Stage 3 Classic Competition of the Poetry By Heart National Competition. This remarkable achievement highlights Fatima's exceptional skill in the art of poetic recitation.

CEO Honoured at Buckingham Palace

Fri, 16 May 2025 14:39:39 GMT

We are delighted to share that Jo Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Dudley Academies Trust, has been honoured for her outstanding Service to Education at a prestigious event held at Buckingham Palace.

Dudley Academies Trust Celebrates NHS Healthcare Careers Week

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:08:51 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust proudly celebrated NHS Healthcare Careers Week, an immersive and enlightening experience that took place from 6th until 9th May 2025. This unique event offered secondary school learners from Trust-wide schools the opportunity to delve into the diverse world of NHS careers, guided by experts and professionals from the NHS.

Dudley Academies Trust Year 10 Learners Get Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Experience at Russells Hall Hospital

Tue, 1 Apr 2025 16:41:04 GMT

Year 10 learners from Dudley Academies Trust's four secondary schools were given a unique opportunity to explore Russells Hall Hospital, thanks to the Trust's collaboration with The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust. This collaboration aims to bring exceptional and unique career experiences to learners, fostering their interest in various National Health Service professions.

Poetic Brilliance Shines at Dudley Academies Trust's Grand Secondary Finale

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 14:17:48 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust proudly held the Trust-wide Secondary School Poetry By Heart Final Competition, showcasing the poetic talents of learners across their secondary schools. Each of the four secondary schools within the Trust has embraced the national Poetry By Heart competition, embedding it across their curriculum to foster a love for poetry and creativity among learners.

Dudley Academies Trust announces investment in uniforms to support learners and families

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 15:06:36 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust is delighted to announce a significant investment of £38,000 in uniforms for its learners, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting learners and their families. This marks the sixth year the Trust has provided this support for secondary schools and the second year for primary schools.

Dudley Academies Trust Conference: A Day of Inspiration and Innovation

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:09:52 GMT

On Friday, 22nd November 2024, Millennium Point in Birmingham buzzed with excitement as the Dudley Academies Trust November Conference took place. The event brought together over 700 staff members from the six Trust schools, governance members, and distinguished guests from the Department for Education (DfE), local Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and other local employers with whom the Trust collaborates.

Sustaining Success across Dudley Academies Trust

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:02:16 GMT

Year 11 learners in all of Dudley Academies Trust’s secondary schools celebrated their results today (Thursday 22nd August 2024).

A groundbreaking Ofsted judgement for St James Academy

Mon, 1 Jul 2024 14:46:18 GMT

St James Academy received a ‘good’ rating in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection. The outcome is a momentous occasion for the school as it was last rated ‘good’ nearly two decades ago. The report praises the school for being inclusive and a place where pupils feel that they can be themselves in a safe environment.

Ofsted praises Beacon Hill Academy for ‘going the extra mile’

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 13:51:11 GMT

Beacon Hill Academy received a ‘good’ rating in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection. The report praised the school for being a place “where everyone goes the extra mile for their pupils”.

Theatre magic and free travel for primary

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:07:46 GMT

On Thursday 18^th April 2024, pupils from Blowers Green Primary and Kates Hill Primary, part of Dudley Academies Trust, attended a theatre trip at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to see The Boy at the Back of the Class.

Enhancing our Sports Curriculum

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:12:48 GMT

During the Spring Term, our secondary schools had the opportunity to take part in Trust wide sporting events and training sessions. This has included a netball tournament which took place at the Evolve Campus, Dudley College of Technology and a badminton tournament which took place at The Link Academy.

Free cinema tickets for Primary

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:14:04 GMT

On Sunday 24th March, children from Blowers Green Primary and Kates Hill Primary and their families had the opportunity to obtain free cinema tickets and attend a showing of the film Migration at Showcase Cinema, Dudley.

Secondary schools achieve national award

Tue, 5 Mar 2024 16:45:44 GMT

Staff at all four secondary academies in Dudley Academies Trust were delighted to have achieved The Quality in Careers Standard, awarded for the Trust’s outstanding careers programme.

West Midlands Mayor sees our Careers programme in action

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 13:32:32 GMT

Today, West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, came to see Year 7 Learners from The Link Academy, Netherton, touring Thomas Dudley Ltd, one of the highlights of the careers programme that runs across all Dudley Academies Trust schools.

Autumn Term Newsletter 2023/24

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 12:25:01 GMT

The end of the Autumn Term and the prospect of the new year ahead means that this time
of the year is a natural time for reflection.

2023 sees £1,250,000 of improvements to our estates

Wed, 8 Nov 2023 11:54:59 GMT

This comes on top of nearly £15 million invested over the first five years of the Trust.

BBC TV documentary showcases the journey of Beacon Hill Academy learners

Fri, 17 May 2024 14:20:24 GMT

Marie Gentles OBE, educational consultant, with Beacon Hill learners who feature in the series.

Bucking the national trend

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 14:23:05 GMT

Both the Express & Star visited Beacon Hill Academy on GCSE Results Day to see the learners collecting their results.

Trust bids to open a new Free School

Fri, 19 May 2023 11:43:45 GMT

The Trust, in partnership with Dudley College of Technology and Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, has submitted a bid to the Department for Education to open a new Free School.

We’re building a plane!

Fri, 19 May 2023 11:24:35 GMT

Year 9 learners from our four secondary schools are building a biplane at the Institute of Technology, which opened last year in central Dudley.

Appointment of Headteacher at Kates Hill Primary

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:26:16 GMT

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am contacting you following the announcement that I will take up the permanent position of Headteacher at Kates Hill Primary from Monday 17^th April 2023.

Appointment of Headteacher at Kates Hill Primary

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:29:06 GMT

I am delighted to inform you that Mrs Louise Woodhouse, currently Interim Headteacher, has officially been appointed as Headteacher of Kates Hill Primary.

Building for the future at Beacon Hill Academy

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 17:45:24 GMT

Beacon Hill Academy has been named as one of the provisionally prioritised schools for the government’s School Rebuild Programme as announced today, on Friday 16^th December 2022. The programme addresses the condition of school buildings across England. This is an exciting opportunity for Beacon Hill Academy and its community. The academy hopes the be in the first phase of the rebuild programme. These projects will enter delivery at a rate of approximately 50 projects per year, for the next five years.

MP helps build and open a play area at Kates Hill Primary

Thu, 6 Oct 2022 13:03:18 GMT

Photograph shows: Harry Hill and Sam Harradine of Hands On with Marco Longhi MP, Louise Woodhouse, Interim Headteacher and Kates Hill pupils Elini P, Sami M, Aroosh W and Hamza A.

Record Results for Dudley Academies Trust

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 13:52:41 GMT

Today marks a landmark occasion as GCSE and vocational qualifications are awarded, based on formal examinations for the first time since 2019. Today also marks a landmark occasion for Dudley Academies Trust which is celebrating record results.

Blowers Green Primary Celebrates a Double Outstanding Ofsted Judgement

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 15:06:30 GMT

Blowers Green Primary in Dudley has once again been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, following a recent inspection on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th April 2022. This is a momentous achievement as the academy was rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2016 and again in 2022. It is a very rare occurrence for a school to retain its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted judgment.

Local schools have two finalists in national competition

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:25:08 GMT

Chloe Hart from The Link Academy and Ethan McDonald from St James Academy, which are part of Dudley Academies Trust, are heading to London to take part in the national finals of Poetry By Heart, a competition entered by hundreds of schools across the nation.

Ofsted judges Blowers Green Primary to be 'Outstanding'.

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 11:48:52 GMT

We are overjoyed to announce that Blowers Green Primary has once again been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. This is a momentous achievement as the academy was rated ‘Outstanding’ in 2016 and again in 2022. It is a very rare occurrence for a school to retain its ‘Outstanding’ judgement which demonstrates the significance of this achievement. The full report is available below:

Exceptional Ofsted Inspection for The Link Academy, Netherton

Fri, 1 Apr 2022 08:47:37 GMT

The Link Academy in Netherton, Dudley, has leapt two grades in a recent Ofsted inspection and is now rated as ‘Good’ across the board.

Strategic Plan 2022 to 2025 (Stakeholder Consultation)

Fri, 1 Oct 2021 15:01:07 GMT

Please enter an introduction for your news story here.

Parent Governor Vacancies

Fri, 1 Oct 2021 14:47:21 GMT

Would you be interested in becoming a Parent Governor at Beacon Hill Academy, The link Academy or Blowers Green Primary?

Operation Safer Schools 2021 comes to our academies

Fri, 1 Oct 2021 08:27:39 GMT

A police campaign to keep young people safe has started across Dudley.

Three consecutive years of improved results at all four secondary academies

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:05:11 GMT

Jo Higgins, Chief Executive of Dudley Academies Trust said, “I am delighted with the progress shown in these remarkable results and delighted for our learners."

The Buzz Newsletter - Summer 2021

Tue, 3 Aug 2021 14:26:01 GMT

Please see our summer newsletter.

Christmas Newsletter

Fri, 22 Jan 2021 16:59:02 GMT

Read about our successes this year, our building refurbishments and the achievements of our learners. See the Newsletters section...

Virtual Open Events

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:03:02 GMT

Improved GCSE results for the second year running

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 13:27:12 GMT

Real progress at all four secondary academies

Trust makes academic progress in every academy

Fri, 7 Feb 2020 11:27:20 GMT

The latest Secondary School League Tables show all four secondary academies in Dudley Academies Trust making good progress in the results that they achieve for their learners.

'Outstanding' primary joins Trust.

Tue, 4 Feb 2020 15:25:19 GMT

Pictured are Jo Higgins, our Chief Executive, with Surinder Sehmbi, headteacher of Blowers Green Primary, and some of her pupils.

Improved results at all four academies

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:19:40 GMT

New Principal for St James Academy

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:43:40 GMT

Dudley Academies Trust has appointed Ian Moore as Principal of St James Academy.

Pegasus Academy improves Ofsted grades.

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 12:55:39 GMT

Pegasus Academy is no longer inadequate, say Ofsted Inspectors