Huntingdon Academy proves to be an incredible place to work. 

Our current way of living and working has been altered and impacted greatly over the last six months. The COVID-19 restrictions have made working from home the norm for some and made certain working environments look and feel completely different. Even during these challenging times, a local Nottingham school has managed to be shortlisted for a prestigious accolade that is awarded for the very thing that the current epidemic has challenged – a harmonious and supportive working environment. 

In September, Huntingdon Academy (part of the L.E.A.D. MAT) was shortlisted for this year’s ‘Investors in People’ award, achieving their platinum status. Founded in 1991, Investors in People was set up to make work better for people, from health and wellbeing to employee recognition. The organisation judges its nominees against nine different criteria; from ‘leading and inspiring people’ to recognising and rewarding performance’, this award looks at working environments with a fine-tooth comb.  

Huntingdon Academy welcomed an official assessor into the school, who interviewed all members of staff in order to collect evidence around how valued they felt, how recognised they felt their work was and how much their wellbeing was a focus. The Academy came out on top in every category. Staff were more than happy to share their positive feelings about the school: “I know that both staff and children’s wellbeing is at the forefront of every decision that is made.” “I have been in constant contact with at least one member of SLT throughout the pandemic, which has been very reassuring and helpful as I have been working from home.” 

Speaking of the importance of this award, Rebecca Riley, Deputy Headteacher, said, “Our children deserve the very best and we understand the importance of investing in our staff to achieve a fantastic learning environment for all.” The Academy has created its positive environment through strong coaching, regular collaboration and by following a clear set of work standards. 

Final winners of the award will be announced during the organisation’s awards evening on 24th November. Congratulations to Huntingdon Academy on such a fantastic achievement.