We are an inclusive school and our high expectations are for every child, whatever their starting point or individual needs. This means knowing our children well, understanding what they need and removing barriers so that they can participate, learn and succeed. We want every child to benefit from excellent teaching and an ambitious curriculum, as well as opportunities to discover new interests, develop their talents, experience new things and see the possibilities available to them.
Just as importantly, I want every child to feel that John Scurr is their school and that they belong here. Children should feel safe, known and valued. They should know that there are adults around them who notice them, listen to them, challenge them, encourage them and believe in them.
I am extremely proud of the team we have at John Scurr. Our teachers, teaching assistants, pastoral and inclusion teams, office and premises staff, lunchtime staff and leaders all contribute to the experience our children have each day. I see first-hand the care, expertise and commitment that staff across our school bring to our children and families. Everyone has a part to play and our strength comes from working together and never losing sight of why we are here – to do the very best we can for our children.
One of the things I value most about John Scurr is our community. Our school has a proud history of equality and opportunity, and those principles continue to matter to us today. We are proud to serve such a strong and diverse community and I want our children and families to feel that this really is their school – somewhere they are known, welcomed, included and valued. I want our children to be proud of who they are, to have a strong sense of belonging and to grow up ambitious, confident and excited about their futures.
Our parents and carers are an essential part of John Scurr. I believe strongly in the partnership between families and school and that we achieve more for children when we work together. We want our families to know us, to feel welcome and to be involved in their children's education. Our workshops, stay-and-learn sessions, school events and everyday conversations give families opportunities to be part of school life, to understand what their children are learning and to work alongside us to support them. Just as importantly, I want parents to feel comfortable talking to us – to celebrate successes, ask questions, seek support or tell us when something isn't right.
From September 2026, our partnership with Bonner Primary School marks a new chapter for John Scurr, giving us opportunities to share expertise and learn from one another while retaining the values, inclusive ethos, relationships and sense of community that are so important to our school.
As Head of School, I am committed to being visible, accessible and ambitious for John Scurr. I want to know our children and families, listen to our community and work alongside our staff to keep improving what we provide.Our children only get one primary education, and I want their years at John Scurr to count.
I hope our website gives you a sense of who we are and what matters to us, but the best way to understand John Scurr is to come and experience it for yourself. We would be delighted to welcome you.
Keeley Alborough
Head of School
