A kind-hearted cleaner who has kept the classrooms and corridors of a Barrow school in tip top condition for 40 years has been recognised for her long service.

Linda Arts worked at the original Ormsgill School before moving to the new building on Mill Bank when it opened in September 1999.

She was given a round of applause by staff and pupils in an all-school assembly this week and presented with a certificate and bouquet to mark her milestone contribution.

Speaking at her presentation, Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School Headteacher Mick Cull said she was a very important part of the school community.

“Linda comes to work every day and represents our Ormsgill values of be kind, be calm and always do your best. She is our longest serving member of staff and without her hard work we couldn’t keep the school running.”

Linda, who lives nearby, said she has no plans to retire just yet.

“I do it because I enjoy it,” she said. “It keeps me busy – I call it my workout.

“I like seeing the children, both my children came here and it’s a lovely school.”

Staff from across South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust started the term on an upbeat note with inspiring talks from two specialist education speakers.

More than 300 teachers and support staff packed the theatre at The Forum in Barrow to listen to international speakers Anthony Bennett and Shonette Bason-Wood.

Caroline Vernon, education advisor to SCMAT who organised the event, said she was delighted at the response from staff.

“We had two speakers with very different styles but one goal and that was to inspire and motivate our talented staff to be the best they can be.

“Anthony told his very powerful story of incredible resilience which, in turn gave our staff the confidence to share their stories, why they are in education, career highlights and hopes on what they can achieve in the future.

“Meanwhile Shonette spread a ray of sunshine, getting us involved in energetic ways that certainly broke the ice for our members and gave them an enjoyable shared experience.”

Anthony, a renowned global keynote speaker for the education sector, specialises in teamwork, wellbeing and mental health drawing on his near-death experience after a school trip. Shonette has 30 years’ experience as a teacher and encourages educators to embrace positive change and put their happiness first to impact on the children they work with.

Professor Andrew Wren also addressed the event to outline the Trust’s vision and support for staff as three new schools join this term.

Chetwynde, Ormsgill, Vickerstown are joined by South Walney Juniors, Cambridge Primary and Newbarns Primary and Nursery School.

Professor Wren spoke about the aim of the Trust to work collaboratively to raise standards in education by sharing best practice.

“Excellence in education starts with happy, motivated and enthusiastic staff and we wanted to start the term on a really positive note.

“We value what each school brings and are looking forward to working as a Trust, rather than individual schools, sharing the strengths for the benefit of all our pupils and the wider education community.”

A leading educator has pledged to drive up standards in education across the community as he takes up a full time role with South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

Professor Andrew Wren has moved from his role as Principal of Furness College to lead SCMAT as CEO and Executive Headteacher from this new academic year.

The Trust, which formed in September 2021, now has six schools across Barrow – Chetwynde, Ormsgill, Vickerstown, Newbarns, Cambridge and South Walney Juniors.

Speaking about the change, Professor Wren said the focus would be on improving and maintaining school performance to deliver the best educational experience for children.

“I had never planned to run a Trust but I can see first-hand the positive changes that have been made in the first couple of years of SCMAT,” he said.

“We have established something here that is focused on high quality and inclusive education for all with a focus on pupils achieving their full potential and gaining valuable academic and life skills.

“It is something I am invested in and want to see through.”

Professor Wren, who is from Cumbria, led Furness College for eight years, including a successful Ofsted inspection, move to chartered status and the merger of Furness College with Barrow Sixth Form College.

“Change is constant in education and there is an opportunity here for us to be proactive, work together and support our member schools to be the best they can be.”

“We are working from a really sound base and there is so much expertise to share across our staff. This has been recognised by the DfE which has supported our growth with additional funding to develop effective practice as we expand.”

Within the Trust’s schools there have been a number of key appointments with Kathryn Kittley appointed as Director of Communications, Reece Edwards taking up a role as Head of Primary at Chetwynde while Mark Bland is now Deputy Headteacher at Vickertown School. Laura Reid and Jessica Corless have been appointed as Assistant Headteachers at Ormsgill School.

Newbarns Headteacher Gary Birkett, Cambridge Headteacher Jenny Lavery and South Walney Juniors Headteacher Zena Lines all join the Trust’s senior leadership team.

The term starts next week with an inset day for all staff including activities to build relationships and an education specialist speaker.

Chetwynde School is celebrating after pupils achieved an array of amazing grades in their GCSE exams.

Headteacher Steve Jefferson said he was incredibly proud of all the students as they secure places at sixth form college and sought-after apprenticeships.

“Our pupils have worked hard and are going on to bright futures. The results are a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience, especially given the challenges of the past few years.

“We would also like to recognise the unwavering dedication of our staff and the continuous support from parents and guardians.

“This is a collective achievement and highlights the family feel of the school.

“It isn’t all about getting the top grades, it is about every young person reaching their potential and we are extremely proud of every win they have achieved.”

The Year 11s picked up their envelopes and were congratulated by staff at the Rating Lane school, which is part of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust.

Among the top students were Hargun Ghuman who secured eight grade 9s and two grade 8s and Aisha Ranjith Sheema with three grade 9s and three grade 8s.

Emily-Mae Renney was delighted with three grade 9s and two grade 8s, Imogen Stoker secured three grade 9s and three grade 8s, Isabelle Farish achieved a grade 9 and three grade 8s and Thaddeus Holmes had top grades of 9 and 8 among his results.

Twins Tilly and Maya Greenall were celebrating with their mother, Karen, who teaches at the school, after Tilly achieved four grade 9s and three grade 8s and Maya was awarded two grade 9s and three grade 8s.