Supporting Disadvantaged Pupils in Manchester
Longsight Community Primary School in Manchester has welcomed Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson for a special visit after receiving national recognition for its exceptional outcomes for pupils facing disadvantage.
She wrote:
“Congratulations to you and your team on the excellent outcomes disadvantaged pupils at Longsight Community Primary achieved at the end of the 2024 to 2025 academic year. This success reflects the dedication of your staff and the hard work of your pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. Thank you for everything you do to give children the best possible opportunities to succeed.”
Following the letter, staff and pupils were delighted to welcome Ms Phillipson and her team to the school for a personal visit.
As one of 31 Greater Manchester primary schools set to benefit from the Government’s upcoming free breakfast club initiative, the Education Secretary began her visit in the school’s existing breakfast club, seeing first-hand how it helps provide pupils with a positive start to the school day.
During her time at Longsight Community Primary, Ms Phillipson also met with a group of Key Stage 2 pupils to hear what makes their school special and what matters most to them in education. Pupils spoke proudly about their right to an education and about developing their vocabulary and language skills, reflected in the school’s status as a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence. They also shared their enthusiasm for an upcoming inter-school debate tournament, receiving helpful tips from the Education Secretary, who reflected on her own experience in school debate teams.
The visit concluded with a tour led by Headteacher Rukhsana Ahmed, during which Ms Phillipson visited classrooms and learned more about the integrated Longsight Family Hub. The hub provides family support to children from birth, strengthening the school’s relationship with the wider Longsight community.
Bridet Phillipson, Education Secretary, shared:
“It was great to meet with staff and pupils at Longsight Primary, and see the brilliant work going on to ensure every child can achieve and thrive – from their debating club to the Treehouse SEND provision and the onsite Family Hub.
“From April, Longsight Primary will receive more support from this government to deliver a Best Start free breakfast club that will boost local parents’ work choices and their children’s life chances.
“I’d like to thank the team at Longsight for their warm welcome and for all they do to give children the best start in life.”
Rukhsana Ahmed, Headteacher at Longsight Community Primary, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our children and our team. This recognition reflects the care, commitment and belief our staff bring every day, and the determination and resilience shown by our pupils. At Longsight, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive and to be the very best they can be.
“As part of The Big Life Group, we are rooted in our community and driven by the belief that people can live well when they are supported well. We are always keen to learn from others and to share what we know, so that more children can benefit.”
Longsight Community Primary serves families in the Longsight ward of Manchester and surrounding areas. The school supports around 210 pupils aged four to eleven, representing 21 countries and speaking 16 different languages. Recognised as a Voice 21 Oracy Centre of Excellence, the school places strong emphasis on developing pupils’ speaking and listening skills, with inclusion, kindness, respect and tolerance at the heart of everything it does.
This is truly inspirational!