Party as primary becomes academy

TREE planting . . . Jack Ogden (10) and Aaliya Qaziy (10) with, from left, deputy head Lizzie Egan-Walsh, deputy head Rob Hollinsworth, Helen Rowland, chief executive of Focus Trust and head teacher Nigel Fowler

A BALLOON release and tree planting took place at an Oldham school as it celebrated its conversion to an academy.

Lyndhurst Primary School, in Heron Street, put on a special assembly and party to mark the change, which will see the school work alongside other academies to encourage best practice.

Pupils Jack Ogden (10) and Aaliya Qaziy (10) also helped to plant a lime tree in the school grounds after the school officially became the 13th Focus Trust Academy on December 1.

Head teacher Nigel Fowler said in the school newsletter: "Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Focus Trust celebration afternoon.

"It was amazing to be able to share our hopes and dreams for the future with you all."