We are delighted to share some very exciting news: GSAL has been named the Sunday Times鈥� North Independent School of the Year 2024!

The award was announced today, Friday 1 December, as part of the Parent Power guide – widely considered the most authoritative account of the UK鈥檚 top schools – which will be published in this weekend鈥檚 Sunday Times.

The accolade marks the third time GSAL has been recognised by the Sunday Times in the last four years; having been chosen as North Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2020 and awarded the North Independent Secondary School of the Decade award in 2021.

The Sunday Times noted GSAL was one of the biggest risers in the UK, up by 53 places on last year to rank 106 overall in the national independent school rankings. It also praised the school鈥檚 generous bursary programme: GSAL spends more than 拢1 million providing at least 100 means-tested bursaries a year, with almost half of bursary students not paying any fees. In the article, Sue Woodroofe, GSAL Principal, admitted she had 鈥渂urst into tears of joy鈥� on hearing of the award, and added: 鈥淲e are a very grounded school. Our motto – 鈥楤e inspired鈥� – sums us up very well.鈥�

Mrs Woodroofe also released a special video to parents, staff and pupils to announce the news, saying 鈥淲e are absolutely thrilled. Well done to our pupils and our staff – it鈥檚 their hard work and dedication that鈥檚 enabled this school to be what it is – and not just now, but over so many centuries.鈥�

She also acknowledged the political, economic and international pressures impacting the lives of some GSAL families, and thanked parents, alumni and the wider GSAL community for their continued support.

Finally, she urged everyone to buy a copy of the Sunday Times and join the school in celebrating this weekend!

The award comes in a year when 70% of GCSEs at GSAL were awarded top 7/8/9 grades, and over 50% of A-levels were awarded A* or A. Plans for a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre are also fully underway, with completion in 2024-25.

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To slightly misquote Simon Mainwaring CEO of We First 鈥淐reating a better world requires teamwork, partnerships, and collaboration, as we need an entire army of organisations to work together to build a better world within the next few decades.鈥� This philosophy of teamwork and collaboration underpins 最新麻豆视频鈥檚 (GSAL) approach to partnerships.

At GSAL we aim to bring children and young people together on a range of projects to provide enrichment opportunities and aim to improve education outcomes for everyone involved. GSAL has over 25 partnerships with various regional organisations who share our values and purpose.

From Ilkley Literature Festival, LEEDS2023, and MathsCity, to the annual Teaching and Learning Conference and events with primary schools across Leeds, GSAL鈥檚 partnerships are mutually beneficial and often initiated and led by our partners. For example, our established partnership with Parklands Primary School raises the literacy and numeracy skills of young people and provides our sixth form students with inspiring volunteering opportunities whilst developing valuable skills.

The future is brighter for everyone when our region thrives.

Otley Science Festival always goes off with a bang. Family Fair Organiser Janet Love, said the 鈥淕SAL鈥檚 science teachers and students run fantastic activities for our visitors at the festival. They鈥檙e so enthusiastic and committed to putting across the value of being interested in science!鈥� Hundreds of children – and adults 鈥� were 鈥渇ascinated by the live locusts at the GSAL stand,鈥� said Zara, teacher of biology at GSAL. 鈥淭he highlight for the children was getting creative, constructing their own insects out of pom poms and pipe cleaners!鈥� In sharing resources and time, both GSAL staff and student leaders hope to inspire the next generation of entomologists through their passion for biology.

GSAL also hosts workshops and events for over 50 primary schools such as author visits by Cressida Cowell and Katherine Rundell. By livestreaming these events into classrooms across Yorkshire over two thousand pupils can take part and ask questions. There is no cost to the schools and the teaching day is not disrupted.

Sharing resources and opportunities and inspiration: this is the purpose of GSAL鈥檚 partnerships, which remains at the core of our contribution to the local community. Sue Woodroofe, Principal at GSAL is proud of the school鈥檚 commitment 鈥渢o having a positive impact on young people鈥檚 lives in Leeds beyond our school gates.鈥� At the 2022 GSAL Future鈥檚 Conference, pupils from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School attended to hear first-hand advice from GSAL鈥檚 alumni about careers from a wide variety of sectors.

Mount St Mary鈥檚 staff, including the head teacher, Mark Cooper, give up their Saturdays to run GCSE revision workshops for their students. Mark has said 鈥渢hrough the creative use of GSAL study spaces for these revision sessions at the weekend, our students flourish in the comfortable and inspiring GSAL setting. Our students rise above their perceived and very real disadvantage and being afforded time to enter the GSAL community for a range of experiences and exposure, is priceless in seeing their own worth and potential.鈥� Together, the schools share experiences and aspirations. For a number of years, we have been building and strengthening our partnership, which has also led to a number of Mount St Mary鈥檚 students being offered a bursary place in GSAL鈥檚 Sixth Form. Mount St Mary鈥檚 alumni have been part of the GSAL student leadership team, including Head Boy. This partnership has helped raise their students鈥� aspirations, enhancing academic and life chances; we look forward to continuing our invaluable partnership.

GSAL鈥檚 partnership with Leeds City Museum (LCM) began almost 10 years ago and has continued to grow.聽Natalie Haigh, Learning and Access Officer at LCM, puts the success of their family fun days down to the alignment of values and goals, stating 鈥渂oth GSAL and LCM want to offer free learning activities and events for families together, in a friendly and welcoming space. With GSAL, we have been able to offer a range of high-quality events and engaging activities for families in Leeds.鈥�

Our joint PhD project with Leeds Beckett University aims to better understand the transition of juniors to senior school and how best to continue their athletic development. Professor Kevin Till, Co-Director of the Centre for Child and Adolescent Physical Literacy at Leeds Beckett University said “our partnership with the Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is a great example of our commitment to working together to co-produce research that make a positive difference to people, communities, and organisations.” Sam Gregory, GSAL sport teacher and embedded PhD researcher, brings the joint project to life, and sees this research as pivotal to adapting the sporting curriculum to engage young people in sport, as well as to “improve motor competence, motivation and engagement in physical education.” From a researcher perspective, working at GSAL allows Sam to embed himself into the school and generate rich data whilst building strong rapports with practitioners at GSAL. In relation to the PhD work, this will all help with the transformative approach practitioners are taking towards Physical Education. Professor Kevin Till and Professor Dave Morley have recently been involved with the development of the physical literacy consensus statement for the UK, as well as launching the only centre for physical literacy within the UK. Sam has said 鈥淟eeds Beckett is a great institution and is at the forefront for driving change within this area, putting GSAL in a very exciting position in relation to developing an innovative PE program.鈥� Professor Kevin Till believes the joint PhD helps to “co-create better experiences and opportunities for all children and adolescents and those who support them.”

As ambassadors for the Child Friendly Leeds initiative we are committed to making the city the best in the UK for children and young people. Our parents association donates hundreds of items of school uniform to the Zero Waste initiative, which provides much needed uniform to children across the city whilst saving tonnes of clothing from going to landfill. With the support of our partners we provide enrichment opportunities for looked after children and their carers. We organise gift collections at Christmas and Easter which sees the hundreds of items donated. Emma Southam, Engagement and Participation officer for Child Friendly Leeds said 鈥渢he GSAL community are always generous and supportive鈥� and 鈥渨e greatly appreciate your hard-work in organising these collections which makes such a difference to hundreds of families.鈥�

We can trace our roots in Leeds back to 1552, and as one of the oldest institutions in the city we take our civic responsibilities seriously. We have benefited from the generosity of philanthropists for over four hundred years, and we want to ensure that as many children and young people as possible benefit from their altruism. Our facilities are used by hundreds of schools, charities and community groups, every day of the week and every week of the year. Our partnerships and the sharing of our facilities are just some of the ways that according to research by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) that we contribute over 拢20m to the local economy and support 470 jobs.

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Students at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) are celebrating after being accredited with a Green Flag distinction award.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag recognises a school鈥檚 outstanding efforts to reduce its impact on the planet.

Supported by Tim Street, teacher and Environmental Sustainability Leader, GSAL鈥檚 eco-enthusiasts have worked tirelessly after school to improve the sustainability 140-acre site at Alwoodley Gates.

Tim Street praised the Eco Committee – staff and students – for their dedication to bettering GSAL鈥檚 green spaces through eco campaigns including:

• A school allotment behind the Sports Dome
• Hosting a school-wide Eco Week
• A building management system to control timings and temperatures of heating and lighting around the school.

GSAL is also aiming to have 100% LED lighting by summer 2024. GSAL鈥檚 external lighting 鈥� including the astroturf and tennis courts 鈥� is already completely LED and managed by sensors for increased efficiency.

Izzie, a sixth form Eco Committee member, said: 鈥淚 am so proud of the significant progress the staff and students have made on improving the site鈥檚 sustainability. I really enjoyed the Alwoodley 2023 Climate Action Hub Conference, where we shared ideas for becoming more eco-friendly.鈥�

Going forward, the Eco Committee wants to encourage more litter picking on the school premises and improve and progress their allotment.

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Stuart Lawrence, the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, has visited 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) to spread a revolutionary message of hope among young people ahead of Black History Month in October.

Thirty years after Stephen鈥檚 murder, which led to changes in legislation, police practice and a profound cultural shift in attitudes towards racism, Lawrence spoke to primary and senior students at GSAL about the power of an individual to change the world.

In his speech to senior school students, Stuart recalled a neighbour calling to say that Stephen had been in a fight at the bus stop. 鈥淪tephen wasn鈥檛 the kind of person to get involved in a fight,鈥� said Stuart. 鈥淚 shared a bedroom with him from the age of five; I knew him.鈥� Two hours later, his parents Doreen and Neville returned from the hospital with the news that Stephen had died. 鈥淚 went from the middle child to the eldest overnight – my mindset changed completely.鈥�

Stuart – an educator, author and activist (鈥渂ut father, husband and human being first鈥�) – presented a special extended assembly to the whole of senior school. His topics ranged from microaggressions to his passion for futsal, and he encouraged students to join an 鈥渆xclusive 1% club鈥� by picking up a book and reading every day. To close, he asked staff and pupils to join him in a rousing chant of 鈥淚 am a revolutionary!鈥�

Afterwards, Stuart headed over to primary school to speak to years 4, 5 and 6. He told the children about the importance of being givers not takers and having empathy for others. He then set students a challenge: to limit their time on electronic devices to pursue greater things. 鈥淗ard work beats talent when talent doesn鈥檛 work hard,鈥� he told pupils. 鈥淲hile you鈥檙e at home playing computer games, someone else is out there practicing their skills and working at something you want to be great at.鈥� Stuart also signed and donated some of his books Silence Is Not An Option to the school鈥檚 libraries.

Stuart, who is a patron for , was delighted to see a decolonialised historical timeline on the walls in GSAL Primary and even more thrilled to see a picture of his greatest inspiration: Nelson Mandela. Stuart recalled how his family met Nelson Mandela two weeks after Stephen鈥檚 murder, and how the high-profile meeting encouraged the police to take the investigation more seriously.

Jo Haynes-Boyd, EDI lead at GSAL, praised Stuart鈥檚 inspiring talks and students鈥� high engagement. 鈥淭hey clearly felt safe and comfortable, and asked so many questions,鈥� said Jo. 鈥淭his is an incredible start to Black History Month for GSAL. We can鈥檛 wait to have Stuart back to work with specific year groups – this work is so important to us.鈥�

滨尘补驳别:听Rt Hon Stuart Lawrence with students

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This week the primary pupils at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) have written Christmas cards to over a thousand of the school鈥檚 eldest alumni.

Every pupil aged 3 to 11 took part in this school community project by drawing seasonal pictures and writing personalised messages in the cards.

The wintery scene front of the card was designed by Year 10 GCSE art student, Erin.

Gabrielle Solti, Vice-Principal and Head of Primary said 鈥淭he children thoroughly enjoyed writing personal messages and drawing pictures in the cards. We sent cards last year too as we thought they would cheer up our eldest alumni especially after lockdown.

鈥淭he cards were so well received that we are delighted to continue this seasonal tradition which brings the youngest and oldest members of our community together.鈥�

The recipients, all aged 70 or over, attended one of GSAL鈥檚 two founding schools, Leeds Grammar School or Leeds Girls鈥� High School.

Most of the cards didn鈥檛 have to travel too far as over 600 of the school鈥檚 eldest alumni still reside or have retired to Yorkshire.

Image: From left Year 1 pupils, Maryam, Isabelle, Rubin writing their cards

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Budding young entrepreneurs from 最新麻豆视频 took part in Virgin Money鈥檚 Make 拢5 Grow programme and used their creative thinking to make a 拢2,550 profit for charity.

Pupils can also tap into a suite of curriculum-based classroom tools which encourages the young entrepreneurs to make the most of their business idea. The schools get to keep any profit made after repaying the initial 拢5 loan.

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Alumni from a wide range of professions and sectors have shared their expertise at a virtual careers event for students at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) and two of its partner schools, Leeds East Academy and Mount St Mary High School.

The GSAL Futures Conference, entitled Choose to Discover, took place on 5 July when more than 30 alumni of Leeds Grammar School, Leeds Girls鈥� High School and GSAL, all at different stages of their careers, were on hand to share their experiences, offer advice and answer students鈥� questions.

There were talks, panel discussions and workshops for students aged 16 to 18 to choose from plus two keynote speakers to open and close the event.

The opening keynote speaker was Alistair Cox (OL78), CEO of Hays plc, one of the leading recruitment companies globally. Alistair is an expert on the future of the labour market and provided an insight into the trends he expects to see in the next five to 10 years.

The closing keynote speaker was Nicola Elliott (OG94), founder of NEOM Organics, who spoke about how career choices may change and how people can seek out and discover new opportunities that align with their passions, lifestyle and interests.

Other speakers included Lucy Frazer MP (OG90), Minister of State for Prisons and Probations and Solicitor General, who spoke to students about a career in government and politics, Chris Poad (OL95), Managing Director, Online, for Tesco, who advised students on a career in the growing digital sector, Itohan Odekunle, Director at Leeds Law Society, joined fellow legal professionals in the law panel discussion, Laura Hoang (OG08) of BAE Systems shared the opportunities in STEM-related careers and Graeme Lee (OL83), CEO of Springfield Health Group answered questions on making an impact on the future of health and social care.

Students selected session depending on their areas of interest which included panel discussions on medicine, law, sustainability, engineering, financial services and social care and workshops on developing a positive presence and working internationally.聽 A truly inspiring day for students, teachers and speakers taking the time to focus on the future of our young people.

Pictured: Alistair Cox (OL78) CEO of Hays plac and opening keynote speaker at the conference.

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Over three thousand pupils aged 3 to 6 from more than 40 primary schools attended a live, virtual workshop from their classrooms with author Claire Culliford which marked the Leeds launch of Bookmark, the children鈥檚 literacy charity. The workshop based around Claire鈥檚 book, Penny Helps Protect the Polar Ice Caps, introduced young children to the threat of climate change in a fun and engaging way.

During the event, hosted by 最新麻豆视频 and in partnership with Bookmark, the children enjoyed listening to the story about Penny the penguin, learning key words from the story and drawing a picture of their favourite part. The workshop was broadcast from the library in GSAL Primary with a Year 1 class as the live audience.

Sue Woodroofe, the Principal of 最新麻豆视频 said, 鈥淲e are delighted to partner Bookmark聽and support their launch in Leeds. They have a simple vision: they want every child to read. They will provide engaging one to one reading support to those children across the city who need some extra help with literacy which聽will boost their confidence and ignite a love of reading.鈥�

Kitty Higgins, chief executive of Bookmark added, 鈥淲e were thrilled to take part in this wonderful event and we are so excited to bring the Bookmark programme to children and schools in Leeds. Reading is a skill for life, but after all of the disruption of the last year, some children really need extra help to build their skills and confidence. We can help schools to ensure these children get high quality, one-to-one support.鈥�

Bookmark will work with schools across the city to deliver reading support, through fully vetted and trained volunteers. The programmes, which have recently been endorsed by the National Literacy Trust, are suitable for children aged five to nine who are at risk of falling behind. During the pandemic, all of Bookmark鈥檚 programmes are taking place online but the charity also plans to offer face to face support in some areas when it is safe to do so again.

Visit www.bookmarkreading.org for more information or contact Robert Davies rob.davies@bookmarkreading.org

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Television scientist and presenter Marty Jopson broadcast his Zap science show from 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) via Zoom to over 2000 primary pupils across Yorkshire. The youngsters tuned in live to join in the fun from their classrooms in primary schools in Leeds, Otley, Ilkley, Bradford, Keighley, Ripon and Harrogate.

During the interactive show, which is part of this year鈥檚 Otley Science Festival, sponsored by GSAL, children in Years 4, 5 and 6, learned about the history of electricity. They discovered the difference between currents and amps and watched in awe when Marty鈥檚 hair stood on end when he touched his giant home-made Van De Graaff machine.聽 The loud finale involved electric sparks emanating from a Tesla machine to the tune of some familiar pop music. Pupils and their teachers then had an opportunity to ask Marty questions.聽 A bubble of Year 5 pupils from GSAL were Marty鈥檚 鈥榮tudio audience鈥� oohing and aahing in all the right places.

Helen Clapham, Director of External Relations at GSAL said: “This is just one example where doing things differently during the pandemic has had a positive impact with many more children in our community being able to access to engaging educational content and shows like this.”

痴颈蝉颈迟听聽for further information and teachers are welcome to email聽enquiries@gsal.org.uk聽if they would like to attend GSAL鈥檚 events for schools in the future.

Pictured with Marty Jopson are GSAL pupils in the 5C bubble.

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Children returning to 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) this week are all together at the Alwoodley Gates campus for the first time in the school鈥檚 history. The move is the final piece of the jigsaw following our 2008 merger of Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls鈥� High School to form GSAL.

Until now, the youngest children on site were Year 3 but they will now be joined by pupils in Nursery to Year 2, who were previously based at Rose Court in Headingley. The Alwoodley site has been extensively refurbished so that Nursery to Year 4 can be housed in the former Junior School building with Years 5 and 6 joined by an elevated glass walkway to their own corridors, previously part of the Senior School building.

All year groups will enjoy access to age-appropriate learning spaces, play areas and libraries, and the extensive sporting and other facilities on the main school campus, which is home to 2,000 pupils.

Gabrielle Solti, Vice Principal and Head of Primary School, joined GSAL last September to lead the big move.

She said: 鈥淐reating a new primary school fit for the future has been hugely exciting. This has given us the opportunity not only to develop state of the art learning environments but also to enable exciting new approaches to how we teach children both inside and outside. There were huge smiles on the children鈥檚 faces this morning as they saw the transformation.鈥�

Principal Sue Woodroofe said: 鈥淭his is a very special moment for me; it has been my goal since joining the school four years ago to bring the whole GSAL family together as a single school community, sharing our daily experience of school life in this outstanding learning environment. I am so grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen, particularly in such challenging times.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome all the pupils back this week, from Nursery to Sixth Form, and it will be wonderful to have a school buzzing with young people again.鈥�

The Rose Court site has been acquired by Leeds City Council to create a new school for pupils aged 4-16 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Under current government restrictions we are unable to host prospective pupils and their families in person, so we invite you to our virtual open events on Friday 18 September and Saturday 10 October. Please register at www.gsal.org.uk.

Pictured are pupils in their Year 1 bubble, making a collage on their first day at GSAL Primary School

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School life is very different now, whether for pupils accessing online learning at home or the limited numbers who are on site.

Since all schools closed under government guidance at the end of March, 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) has delivered online teaching to pupils at home whilst remaining open for children of key workers.

Like schools across England, after the recent half term break we welcomed back pupils in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. Our returning pupils are adapting well, not only to socially distanced schooling but to a new learning environment.

GSAL was already set for a landmark year in 2020, with our youngest children due to relocate in September from Rose Court in Headingley to the new Primary School聽at Alwoodley Gates. However, the coronavirus crisis has brought the move forward, with Nursery, Reception and Year 1 already settling into Primary School.

Meanwhile Y6 have moved ahead of schedule into their new classrooms in Senior School, linked to the primary building by a glazed walkway installed last summer.

Children are grouped into bubbles of about 15 pupils, who learn, eat and play together, with their designated adults.

The youngest children are exploring their new surroundings, including redesigned classrooms, a dedicated primary library and play spaces, and all the sporting and other facilities that the main school site has to offer.

Sue Woodroofe, Principal, said: 鈥淲hilst we are all sad that we have not been able to say a proper farewell to Rose Court, part of our heritage with Leeds Girls鈥� High School, this marks a positive step as we look to the future beyond the coronavirus crisis.

鈥淧rimary School has welcomed back hundreds of our pupils seamlessly, to the safe and spacious environment that we can provide indoors and out at Alwoodley Gates. For those pupils still at home, we will continue to offer them all of the support and guidance they need, and we look forward to the whole school being back together at the earliest opportunity.鈥�

Pictured: Pupils in Nursery鈥檚 鈥榮pider bubble鈥� explore their new outdoor environment

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A student-led fundraiser at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) has raised over 拢5,000 for the relief of people affected by the earthquake in Kashmir last September.

Concerned at the plight of thousands in the disaster-hit region, the school鈥檚 Muslim faith leaders decided to organise a fun family event, with all proceeds in aid of the charity Penny Appeal.

In addition to 拢3,000 raised on the day, donations kept on coming after last month鈥檚 event, to reach a grand total of 拢5,246. Students presented the cheque to Khalil Benkhalil, Penny Appeal fundraiser manager for the north of England, for the charity鈥檚 .

Khalil said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a phenomenal effort by everyone involved. This achievement is not small change, it鈥檚 a huge change for our emergency aid in Kashmir. The region is affected by conflict as well as the earthquake and this donation will help our work to alleviate their suffering.鈥�

The event was organised by the Muslim faith leaders who are all Year 13 students, supported by Mrs Nema Saeed, individual needs teaching assistant and Muslim faith coordinator.

Their fundraiser was an afternoon of food and fun for all the family held in school, and was the third annual charity event by the school鈥檚 Islamic Society.

Thanks to the generosity of school families and the local community, costs were kept low to maximise the benefit for the charity. Schoolwear company Rawcliffe鈥檚 sponsored the dinner, and many other businesses and individuals donated goods and their time, to provide a range of stalls and entertainment.

An auction of donated gifts, run by GSAL parents, raised 拢1,200 on the day, while the next biggest fundraiser was slime making run by girls from the Junior School. Other stalls included a vintage doll museum, lucky dip, computer game tournament, sweets, face paint, henna, artwork and Arabic calligraphy.

Student faith leader Bismah said: 鈥淭here was a very happy atmosphere on the night. We were so pleased to see the younger pupils involved and everyone enjoying themselves. It gives us a great sense of achievement as faith leaders and we鈥檙e overwhelmed by the amount raised.鈥�

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最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) has received the highest possible rating of excellent, following a full inspection by the (ISI) in November.

The full inspection, covering compliance and educational quality, assesses every aspect of the school from nursery through to sixth form. It is a rigorous process, conducted over a three-day period by a team of 10 inspectors, with only 24 hours鈥� notice to the school.

The team reviews all policies and processes, observes classes and activities, and obtains feedback from staff, pupils and parents through surveys and interviews.

The inspection report for GSAL, published this week, highlights the quality of the pupils鈥� attainment and their personal development. The inspectors also judged the school to be fully compliant against all the regulatory standards.

As well as the key finding that 鈥渢he quality of the pupils鈥� academic and other achievements is excellent鈥�, the report praises pupils鈥� personal development. It commends 鈥減upils鈥� exceptional personal development鈥romoted by a school environment and culture that is consistently inclusive, cohesive and supportive鈥�.

The report also states: 鈥淧upils show an outstanding willingness to fulfil their responsibilities and contribute positively to the lives of others both within the school community, and in wider society.鈥�

Sue Woodroofe, GSAL Principal, said: 鈥淚 am absolutely delighted with this outcome; the way the inspectors describe the pupils and staff in glowing terms makes me extremely proud to lead this wonderful school.

鈥淚 am so pleased that pupils鈥� exceptional personal development, behaviour and positive attitude, as well as their academic and co-curricular attainment, were evident to the inspectors.

鈥淭hese are all things that we strive for as educators and parents, and the report is a wonderful endorsement of our pupils and staff, and the support and commitment of our parents.鈥�

The ISI is approved by the Department for Education (DfE) as the body responsible for inspecting independent schools.

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Within a month of taking England to the Rugby World Cup final in Japan, Eddie Jones is on the road again, talking about his new autobiography Eddie Jones: My Life and Rugby.

Visiting Leeds on Thursday evening to give a talk for , Eddie also showed his support for the next generation of rugby players. He put 60 junior players through their paces during a training session on the new 3G pitch at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL).

Representing GSAL Junior School and local rugby clubs (West Park, Leodiensians and Roundhegians), the players looked on as Eddie cut the ribbon to officially open GSAL鈥檚 3G pitch. The new facility is used extensively by community football and rugby clubs as well as the school.

The youngsters then came in from the cold to quiz Eddie in a special Q&A session. When asked what qualities he looks for in his players, Eddie advised: 鈥淪omeone enthusiastic who wants to be involved and touch the ball, who helps their teammates, and wants to compete.鈥�

Later in the evening, Eddie was in conversation about his autobiography with Ian Ritchie (Leeds Grammar School alumnus) for an audience of 450 in a session hosted at GSAL for Ilkley Literature Festival. Ian was the ideal choice of interviewer – he had recruited Eddie as England head coach during his time as chief executive of the RFU.

Their discussion ranged from his childhood in Sydney, when being good at sport became a way to fit in, his teaching career which peaked at acting principal of the International Grammar School in Sydney, the highs and lows of playing and coaching rugby, the support of his family, and his reflections on the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Eddie said: 鈥淚t was fantastic, the country put on a great show. They鈥檙e not that much into sport so for rugby to take off was unbelievable, and the home team was brilliant.鈥�

He added: 鈥淚 haven鈥檛 worked a day since I finished as acting principal! I just love doing what I鈥檓 doing, I鈥檓 so lucky.鈥�

GSAL has worked in partnership with Ilkley Literature Festival since 2012, hosting or sponsoring events and supporting local schoolchildren in attending author talks.

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From the moment uttered the words 鈥淲ould you like to see something gross and disgusting?鈥� he had his audience of Y5 and Y6 pupils hooked.

Science presenter and writer Marty is the resident scientist on the BBC鈥檚 One Show and is well known to local audiences as a founder of the Otley Science Festival. Marty brought his science show Invisible Worlds, which he describes as 鈥渁 safari of very small things鈥�, to 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) for an audience of GSAL Y6 and Y5 from .

The show鈥檚 鈥済ross and disgusting鈥� opener was a head louse, magnified under a microscope and projected onto a big screen so that the children could clearly identify it as an insect and see how it clings onto human hair.

Marty followed up with live specimens of a spider and a woodlouse, and the children were left in no doubt as to why it hurts when they run into a stinging nettle. Blown up under the microscope the incredibly sharp stinging cells like tiny syringes were plain to see.

Marty also showed the children magnifications of pond life, including hydra and algae, and human cells (harvested from himself and a brave audience member) found in blood and inside the mouth.

Nancy Lester, Y5 science lead at Manor Wood Primary School, said: 鈥淲e love science at Manor Wood and make it as practical as possible. The workshop was fun and engaging – but also very informative 鈥� and really brought science to life. It was a great opportunity to explore things the children haven鈥檛 seen, or even thought about, before!鈥�

Thel ran from 11 to 16 November. This year GSAL became a sponsor of the festival, providing transport for local school children to attend events and supporting the week鈥檚 grand finale, the Otley Science Fair.

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This week the (ISC) published its annual report into cross-sector partnership work between independent and state schools.

The report highlights the many ways in which collaborations benefit schools and their local communities. There are over 1,300 ISC schools in total, of which 1,142 are in partnership with state schools, and the number is growing year on year.

ISC chief executive Julie Robinson notes in the report鈥檚 introduction that 鈥渟uccessful partnerships are always a two-way street鈥�. Whether the partnerships are focussed on academic work or extracurricular activities, children from all the schools involved benefit from the opportunity to meet and work together.

The report showcases projects around the country, including the joint Combined Cadet Force run by 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) and Bishop Young Academy. Students share training and activities that build personal resilience and character, in addition to developing their skills in leadership and self-reliance.

This is just one example of GSAL鈥檚 many partnership projects with around 130 other schools. Up to 2,000 pupils a year are involved in cross-curricular activities that provide academic enhancement as well as memorable cultural or sporting experiences.

Another long-established partnership is with Parklands Primary School, where GSAL sixth form students volunteer enthusiastically every Wednesday afternoon. They work with Parklands pupils on varied projects such as murals, exam preparation and learning Spanish.

Parklands head teacher Chris Dyson says: 鈥淭he raising of aspirations is the biggest success of our partnership with GSAL. Our pupils get to see what hard work and dedication to your studies can achieve. It鈥檚 no coincidence that as this partnership has flourished, so have our exam results.鈥�

A range of school outreach activities take place at GSAL, ranging from maths and French workshops for primary pupils to revision sessions for GCSE candidates from local secondaries, and much more.

GSAL also works in partnership with organisations such as Leeds City Museum, Ilkley Literature Festival, Otley Science Festival and Harrogate Theatre, supporting events and opportunities that enrich the lives and learning of children and young people in and around Leeds.

Parklands pupils are pictured with GSAL sixth form volunteers, admiring their mural.

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As the leaves turn orange and the nights lengthen, the youngest pupils at the Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) celebrated Autumn Day.

Pupils in nursery and reception classes at Rose Court had a very exciting day, learning about all things autumnal. To set the mood they wore autumnal colours to school rather than their uniform.

One of the most fascinating activities was the visit from three rescued hedgehogs brought in by Penny and Carl from in Methley. The rescue team is in their first year, and has already helped 50 hedgehogs, rehabilitating them back into the wild

The children learned about how to look after and hold the hedgehogs, what types of food they eat and the dangers that they face.

When asked about their favourite part of this activity, reception pupil Amelie stated that it was 鈥渓earning how to hold the hedgehogs鈥� and her classmate Miles enjoyed discovering 鈥渉ow these animals grow.鈥�

Staying on the hedgehog theme, the children also enjoyed painting the animals, making them out of playdough and building hedgehog houses. Outdoors, they took an autumn walk in the sunshine, where they gathered autumn leaves to make crowns. Back in class, they made tree pictures, threaded pumpkins and made some scarecrows. Later on, pupils sang songs celebrating the harvest and the beautiful world that we live in.

Mrs Emma Alderson, reception leader, said: 鈥淭he children love autumn day, learning about the changing seasons, how to explore the world around them through their senses and how to care for animals. It鈥檚 a great introduction to their next topic of 鈥榚nchanted forests and woodlands鈥�.鈥�

The whole of Rose Court also took part in their annual harvest collection, where was overwhelmed with generous amounts of donations from students and parents. This Leeds based homelessness charity focuses on accommodation, training and mentoring to transform lives.

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September 2020 will mark a new era for 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL), with all its pupils learning on the same site for the first time in its 12 years as a coeducational school.

At the school鈥檚 annual Open Morning on Saturday 12 October, visitors will be able to see the learning environment designated for pupils in nursery to Year 2, who will be relocating from Rose Court in Headingley to the main campus at Alwoodley Gates.

The move will create a new unified primary phase from the next academic year. GSAL Primary School will be based in the current Junior School following alterations to create classroom spaces and outdoor play areas designed for the youngest year groups.

GSAL Primary School will be led by Mrs Gabrielle Solti, who joined GSAL this year as Vice Principal and Head of Primary School. Mrs Solti said: 鈥淚 am so pleased to be joining the school at this key moment in its history. Bringing together the passionate teachers and inspirational curriculum of Rose Court and Junior School into one primary phase will enable children to experience continuity and a superb 鈥榓ll through鈥� education in one location.鈥�

Visitors on Open Morning can view a show classroom, newly refurbished to the specification of the new nursery provision, and see for themselves the range of facilities on offer specifically for younger children as well as on the whole campus. Mrs Solti will give a talk at 10:30 and will be available to talk with parents during the morning.

With many families at this time of year considering their choice of senior school, the Open Morning will offer a central information hub for prospective Year 7 pupils and their parents. There will be subject specific displays and activities in all departments, as well as demonstrations, open rehearsals and sports fixtures to give a flavour of the breadth of extracurricular opportunity at GSAL.

Open Morning at 最新麻豆视频 takes place on Saturday 12 October from 09:00 to 12:00 at Alwoodley Gates, Harrogate Road, Leeds LS17 8GS (satnav LS17 9NA). Please book online

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Although author originally made his name with football stories for children, his recent novels show he鈥檚 a good all-rounder.

As Tom told an audience of Year 5 and 6 pupils at 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL), his latest books, whilst still fictional, are based on historical events and required detailed research.

He is currently working on a book about the Windermere boys – 300 child concentration camp survivors who were rehoused in the Lake District 75 years ago 鈥� and feels a duty to accurately reflect the boys鈥� story in recognition of their suffering.

For his book Armistice Runner he researched the life of Ernest Dalzell, a trench runner in WW1. D-Day Dog is based on the para dogs who were parachuted in prior to the D-Day landings.

Tom鈥檚 visit was the first author visit hosted in GSAL鈥檚 new junior library, which opened this term ready for the creation of GSAL Primary School when Rose Court pupils arrive at Alwoodley Gates next September.

The visit took the form of a Q&A, allowing the children to ask lots of questions and find out about life as an author, as well as the day to day routine – despite having his own study, Tom prefers to work in the kitchen with the dog.

The children were surprised to learn that Tom didn鈥檛 always find reading and writing easy. He said: 鈥淚 struggled with reading so my mum encouraged me to read about football. I read newspapers, magazines, books鈥t led me to writing about sport and I read anything now!

Tom eventually did A-level English literature at Park Lane College, and said: 鈥淚 was inspired by Emily Bront毛 and Wuthering Heights. I thought you had to be from London to be a writer. Her books made me think 鈥業 can do this鈥� and set books in the places I know and love.鈥�

He told the children he鈥檚 been writing for 20 years (12 鈥渁s a job鈥�) to show them that if you really want to do something don鈥檛 give up.

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The 44 sixth form students from 最新麻豆视频 (GSAL) who spent three weeks in Malawi this summer will never forget their experiences and the people they met.

With fundraising ongoing for the school鈥檚 Malawi project all year round, the biennial tour to the country is an opportunity for students and staff to see for themselves how the money helps some of Africa鈥檚 poorest communities.

Based at GSAL鈥檚 partner school Kamuzu Academy for the first week, the students delivered 283 boxes of educational materials to primary schools in the district. They applied the finishing touches to newly built classrooms funded by the Malawi project by painting the curriculum onto the walls.

Kamaza Primary School took a special delivery from Rose Court children, who collected backpacks filled with school essentials for their peers in Malawi. Chilanga School for the Blind received a selection of musical instruments donated by GSAL families and staff and medical items were donated to Kasungu District Hospital.

The tour headed south for the last week, where they sang for the children at the Mango Tree Nursery and helped distribute meals at the Malama feeding station to children, the elderly and those affected by HIV. They donated electron microscopes to Malamulo Hospital and delivered equipment and medicine to the Blantyre SPCA animal sanctuary. At Jacaranda School for Orphans, pupils entertained the visitors with traditional songs and dances.

Student Ishak Rouf said: 鈥淚t was eye-opening and humbling to see where the money goes. The people we met were so welcoming and warm hearted, it was really touching to make a connection with them and see how they value the things we take for granted in the UK.鈥�

The trip wasn鈥檛 all hard work; the tourists also visited attractions including the Luangwa Game Park in Zambia and the Game Haven wildlife lodge. They enjoyed a tea tasting session at Satemwa Tea Estate and a visit to Mandala House, a museum and restaurant. They hiked along the Ruo gorge to climb Mulanje mountain, and enjoyed rest and relaxation on the shores of Lake Malawi.

This year鈥檚 tour raised 拢16,000, which after funding the shipping of donated goods was distributed among community projects chosen by the students. The Malawi project has to date raised almost 拢0.5m in the 30 years since it started at Leeds Girls鈥� High School.

Find to see more photos from the tour.

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