Latest News
Welcome to our TILT news page. Here you will find out what has been happening within our TILT family of schools - don't forget to take a look at our Trust Newsletters page for further information. We are incredibly proud of The Island Learning Trust community and are committed to sharing with you our exciting news and events as they happen.
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Term 4 has begun
Mon 24 Feb 2025After a drizzly start, the sun broke through & our children at Sunny Bank, Halfway Houses and Minster In Sheppey shone bright on their first day back! From playful smiles to eager learning, the energy is contagious!
These photos are just a few of the joyful moments at Sunny Bank as they embraced a new term full of adventures!
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Latest Newsletter from Halfway Houses
Fri 14 Feb 2025 -
Latest Newsletter from Sunny Bank
Fri 14 Feb 2025 -
We have some fantastic news to share!
Wed 12 Feb 2025We are thrilled to announce that we are finalists in the National MAT Awards for a second year running!
Our CEO, Debbie Rousell has been shortlisted in the ‘CEO of the Year’ category at the National MAT Awards 2025! She has been selected alongside other CEOs from multi-academy trusts across the UK.
The award will recognise a CEO who ensures and demonstrates outstanding best practice within a multi-academy trust.
Howard Fisher, Chair of the Trust Board, commented “We are absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news that our esteemed CEO, Debbie Rousell, has been shortlisted as a finalist for this highly prestigious award. This recognition is a testament to her exceptional leadership, dedication, and the incredible impact she has made within our Trust and wider communities. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements, and we look forward to celebrating this well-deserved news!”
Debbie has been CEO since the Trust was formed in 2016. All schools within the Trust are good and our Key Stage 2 results continue to improve with all three schools performing above National.
A huge congratulations to Debbie for this prestigious shortlisting. The National MAT Awards are organised by The Multi-Academy Trust Association (MATA). The award winners will be announced on 6 March 2025.
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A Christmas Video from Sunny Bank!
Fri 20 Dec 2024 -
Our latest Newsletter
Fri 20 Dec 2024 -
Sunny Bank Primary School Achieves ‘Good’ Rating Across All Categories in Ofsted Report
Mon 23 Sep 2024Sunny Bank Primary School is proud to announce that the school has been judged ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted. The comprehensive report highlights the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, student well-being and community engagement.
Head of School Jack Allen had this to say, “I am extremely pleased with the final report. It acknowledges our high expectations, the care we provide for our pupils and our drive to help them ‘be the best they can be.’ Our expert reading teachers and our relentless focus on reading have clearly made a positive impact. Every member of Sunny Bank staff is dedicated to ensuring our children achieve the very best outcomes.”
The Ofsted report emphasises several key strengths of Sunny Bank Primary School:
- High Expectations: Pupils are well-aware of the importance of their learning and are motivated to meet high standards.
- Care and Aspiration: Pupils are well cared for and strive to live up to the school’s motto, “be the best you can be.”
- Focus on Reading: There is a strong emphasis on reading throughout the school, with staff demonstrating expertise in teaching early reading.
- Support for SEND Pupils: The needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) are carefully addressed, ensuring they can succeed across the curriculum.
- Equality and Passion: Pupils are passionate about equality and their educational journey.
Since joining The Island Learning Trust in 2020, alongside Minster and Halfway Houses Primary Schools, Sunny Bank has been transformed. The Trust has a total commitment to improving the life chances and aspirations of pupils and the vision that all children will “Be the best they can be” is clearly evidenced through the school’s recent Ofsted and amazing pupil outcomes.
Now children at Sunny Bank outperform the National Average. With 100% of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading and 60% achieving the higher standard. Additionally, 80% of students met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths; significantly higher than the National Average that currently sits at 61%.
Sunny Bank Primary School is at the heart of the community with active parental involvement which enriches the student experience. The school’s engagement with local organisations, such as Murston Church and Murston Heart, as well as frequent parent open afternoons, underscores its role as a community hub.
Parent feedback highlights the school’s positive impact:
- “It’s a brilliant school. My children are completely different since moving here; they are really happy and making good progress.”
- “Teachers are passionate and encouraging; issues are dealt with quickly.”
- “The focus on the child’s well-being and education is exceptional.”
Current Year 4 student Mark notes, “There’s lots of people who can help you and everyone is responsible for their learning,” while Year 6 student Jasmine shares, “I get to read, see my friends and most importantly learn with adults who help me.”
The school’s commitment to student happiness and its welcoming environment are evident in pupil satisfaction surveys and there is an ever-growing waiting list to join Sunny Bank.
Sunny Bank is currently offering tours for the Reception class intake for September 2025 and for Nursery in take in January. Please see below for our reception and Nursery open days. Come and see the school for yourself.
*read the full report HERE
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Our latest Newsletter
Wed 24 Jul 2024 -
Ofsted - Halfway Houses remains a good school
Mon 29 Apr 2024 -
Our latest Newsletter
Fri 29 Mar 2024
