A school for children at risk of exclusion has been given an award for its dedication to parent partnerships.
Richard Barnes Academy, part of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust, supports students aged 5 to 16 who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of exclusion from mainstream education.
The Peterborough-based school was given the national Parent-Friendly Schools Standard Award by Parentkind.
The award is given to schools that demonstrate a commitment to building positive partnerships with families.
This was given after the school was assessed against a national framework of standards and was praised for its "welcoming atmosphere" and good communication with parents.
Claire Everton, principal, said: "We're genuinely proud to have earned the Parent-Friendly Schools Standard Award.
"It’s a real testament to how much we care about building strong and trusting relationships with the families we work alongside every day.
"At our academy, parents and carers aren’t just involved – they are absolutely central to helping our young people face challenges and truly flourish."
Richard Barnes Academy joined Thomas Deacon Education Trust in 2020 and at its last Ofsted inspection in October 2024 received a 'Good' rating.
Inspectors praised its calm, purposeful atmosphere and focus on continual improvement.
The school has seen a remarkable transformation in its behaviour culture thanks to its involvement in the Department for Education’s Behaviour Hubs programme.
The programme included bespoke support from a lead school, with Richard Barnes Academy staff empowered to diagnose challenges, implement sustainable strategies, and promote positive behaviour across the academy.
The result has been a significant reduction in disruption, improved pupil engagement, and enhanced staff wellbeing - demonstrating the power of a whole-school approach to behaviour.
The academy’s achievements, as well as its most recent accreditation from Parentkind, is a clear sign of its ongoing commitment to providing inclusive, supportive, and high-quality Alternative Provision education for young people in Peterborough.
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