Headteacher leaves great success story
ENTERPRISE ACADEMY INTO SCHOOL HELD AS NATIONAL EXAMPLE
A HEADTEACHER who transformed one of Manchester’s worst-performing schools into a national success story is leaving after seven years.
When James Eldon joined Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA) in Wythenshawe in 2011, he faced a monumental task.
The school – formerly known as Parklands High – had been through four headteachers in five years, all of whom were unable to halt the slump.
Parents simply didn’t want to send their children to a ‘failing’ school in one of the poorest wards in the country that in 2008 had only 17 per cent of pupils getting five GCSEs A* to C grades.
Working with sponsors at Manchester council, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group and Manchester Airport, Mr Eldon set about changing that.
He introduced a strict new behaviour code for pupils, worked hard to bring parents on board and gradually built a team of highly-motivated staff.
Such was his success that 25pc of pupils achieved five GCSEs A* to C grades in 2012 – and 37pc of pupils in 2013.
Ofsted inspectors praised Mr Eldon, but still rated MEA as ‘requires improvement.’ By 2015, it was rated ‘good’ for the first time ever and was being held up nationally as an example of how to rapidly transform a school in challenging circumstances.
MEA was placed in the top 5pc of similar schools in the National League Tables and applications doubled in four years.
An £11.6m renovation of the academy’s campus was completed, bringing world-class facilities including a new theatre, art studios, science labs and 3G all-weather sports pitch.
The achievements did not go unnoticed with MEA winning ‘Secondary School of the Year’ at the M.E.N. Media Schools Awards in 2015 and 2016.
Mr Eldon, former deputy headteacher at Chorlton High, was even invited to Number 10 Downing Street to discuss the transformation.
After seven years of success he has now announced he is leaving the school to become Principal at Manchester Academy in Moss Side.
Former senior vice-principal David Bell will be taking his place.
Writing in the school’s newsletter, Mr Eldon said: “In many cultures the number ‘7’ is considered lucky and I certainly feel very lucky to have enjoyed seven wonderful years at MEA.
“The journey we have been on during this time has been amazing and, although tough at times, I am so proud of where we are at this point in our story.
“MEA was my first headship and in many ways I think that was a blessing as we didn’t follow a usual formula, from the beginning we tried to do things different. We wanted to prove that a Wythenshawe school working with some incredibly supportive local businesses could do things differently for local children.
“It has been wonderful to share our success with all our families and to listen to their aspirations for the school and our students.
“MEA is not just in safe hands, it is in great hands and Mr Bell and the team will move the Academy forward to its next chapter of success.”