Albany Academy recognised as ‘World Class’ school by High Performance Learning

The award is given by High Performance Learning (HPL) to “elite schools” which have demonstrated a world class quality of education throughout the school.

HPL says it “is a mission-driven org anisation, working with schools and teachers to change the face of education and deliver student high performance for the many - whatever their background - not the few.”

Based on years of research and evidence by Professor Deborah Eyre, HPL outlines a set of skills and behaviours that successful students use to help them to learn, which can then be applied by children to support their learning.

Peter Mayland, Headteacher of Albany Academy, which is part of Albany Learning Trust, said “I’m extremely proud of this award because it recognises the work that the whole school community – staff, students and parents - have undertaken during the past two years. Not just working through covid restrictions, but clearly making our education better. HPL has been transformational in terms of our style of teaching, the experience of our students and the ability for them to apply their learning to the wider world.”

Some HPL learning behaviours are recognisable, such as resilience and practice, while others need more teaching, such as flexible thinking, abstraction and intellectual confidence.

The assessor, Jane Gandee, an experienced headteacher herself, said: “Every student was able to tell me about the skill or the behaviour that was most appropriate for the task they were doing, and many could also talk about how they used HPL outside school.”

Harry Woosey, a year 10 student at Albany, explained: “I find physics lesson quite difficult, I use resilience to help me try my best. That behaviour helps me because I achieve more by carrying on. For me it’s one of the most valuable HPL behaviours.”

Mr Mayland added: “Albany Learning Trust is committed to developing world class schools. Chorley New Road Primary Academy is also introducing HPL and we are confident that they will achieve this award early next year. This will be another step on our journey to ensure that children who attend our schools receive a world class education.”