Celebrations as local primary school is renamed to become Newark Flying High Academy and achieves record results!

A Newark primary school has celebrated a relaunch and will now be named Newark Flying High Academy.

In 2025, the school formerly known as Lovers’ Lane Primary & Nursery School, joined The Flying High Partnership, one of the top 5 performing primary-only multi academy trusts in the country. Since then, the school has seen upgrades to its facilities, and dramatic improvements in outcomes for children.

During a celebration event to mark the school’s change of name, Head Teacher James Wood addressed gathered families, and reflected on the school’s progress during the past year.

James said, “A year ago, we promised to put this school back on the map and I believe we have done just that. This year, 80% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, doubling outcomes from last year which was 41%.

“This year our Reading outcome is 93%, last year it was 55% and Writing is now 80% from 45% last year. In Mathematics our results are at 87% this year, rising from 66% last year, and finally in Grammar, this school achieved 87% this year, up from 65% last year.

“That’s all happened in one year; with the same children, from the same community.

“What has changed is the way we teach and care, because no child will be written off at Newark Flying High Academy. At Newark Flying High Academy, we will support every child academically, and in their wellbeing and character.”

James said that the academy’s approach is has a proven track record of success, citing the work of The Flying High Partnership, the academy’s multi-academy trust, whose schools have delivered top five outcomes in the country for the last two years.

“Our outlook is summed up in our school vision of ‘Empowering Everyday Excellence’. It’s built from consistent small actions: every lesson, every interaction, every day, because excellence isn’t just about a policy or slogan. That belief for us shapes everything we do.”

Photograph: Obaloluwa (Y3) in a sports shirt with the school’s new logo.

During the celebration, visiting families and children were entertained by Newark Flying High Academy choir, and children enjoyed craft and gift stalls, a bouncy castle and slide, and also had the opportunity to throw wet sponges at their teacher, Mr Ronan Newton.

Pupil Lilly-Mai (Y6) said, “We’ve loved seeing how our school has grown and changed as part of The Flying High Partnership.”

Fellow pupil Walter said, “We have seen improvements to our classrooms and learning environment and we’ve also had more opportunities than ever before. From trips and sports tournaments, -to events with other Flying High schools. It’s been exciting to be part of something bigger.”

When asked about the future of the school, Headteacher, James Wood said, “We want to be a school unique to the community we serve, that empowers everyday excellence in all that we do, by developing a culture of exceptional standards, care, inclusion and a relentless drive for sustainable, continuous improvement. We are excited to see what the future holds for this lovely school and its fantastic children.”

The school has gifted every child with a new jumper or cardigan, and a new PE shirt.

Photograph: The Newark Flying High Academy choir entertained visitors.