Headteachers' Welcome

Welcome to Duke Street Primary School

Welcome from the Headteacher

Thank you for visiting our website. Whether you are exploring schools for your child, already part of the Duke Street family, or working alongside us as a partner, I hope this page gives you a clear sense of who we are and what we aim to achieve for every learner.

At Duke Street, our vision is simple: to provide a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, happy and secure. We inspire a love of learning that empowers our children to grow in resilience, celebrate their unique talents and achieve their highest potential.

Our Core Values form the mnemonic ICARE:

· Individuality – celebrating each child’s uniqueness and talents

· Community – working together with families and partners

· Aspire and Achieve – setting high expectations for learning and personal growth

· Resilience – encouraging perseverance and a growth mindset

· Empathy – fostering kindness, respect and understanding

These values are woven into classroom practice, our pastoral support and whole-school life. You will see them reflected in learning activities, assemblies, and the way staff and children treat each other every day.

Our staff and governors are dedicated to maintaining high expectations for every child. We promote excellent standards of behaviour, attendance, effort and achievement, ensuring that all pupils are supported to succeed. We encourage every child to strive for excellence, fulfil their individual potential and embrace the opportunities of a bright and successful future.

We also place strong emphasis on pupil leadership. Older children take on ambassador roles and help shape school life, developing confidence and responsibility. Our extra-curricular programme — led by staff and pupil leaders — offers clubs and activities that extend learning, build friendships and ensure children enjoy school.

Our strong partnership with parents is central to helping every child reach their full potential. We recognise that a child’s learning journey begins long before they start school, and we value the vital role parents play in supporting their growth, development and early achievements. At our school, we build on these strong foundations by encouraging parents to remain actively involved in their child’s education so that together we can get the best from every child.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. As a school we are kind, caring and value each and every one of our pupils as individuals. I am incredibly proud to be Headteacher at Duke Street and personally couldn’t think of a better place to be.

Mrs Sarah Ridley

Headteacher