Yesterday Lynda, one of the great legends of Manchester Academy died. Lynda retired last summer and her leaving speech had the whole staff laughing like it was a stand up special. Lynda was hugely loved as our cover manager - a tough balance. She looked after us all, a wonderful lady.

On the plains of Moss Side, the Manchester savannah, the next episode of David Attenborough’s new series looks at the sun dried expanses of Mancunia. Our beach volleyball team is training and sandcastle sculpting is now in the Art curriculum!

Why Ofsted is punishing for Heads. (From Financial Times )

8 years on. Still healing. Still strong.

MFL Adviser Wanted! We're seeking a Subject Adviser for Modern Foreign Languages (Spanish and French) to support our secondary academies in the north of England (Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Carlisle). #mfltwitterati Details here ce0374li.webitrent.com/ce0374li_webre…

This parrot is a dead parrot. Sadly true. Caused much sadness with Y7 on yard. Another new school leadership experience!

Green Tie. Y11 Class of 2025. You have been incredible- go out into the world and bring the energy and compassion you have shown throughout your time Manchester Academy The most inclusive group of young leaders - your Prom is amazing! Keep making Manchester magic…

A bit nervous to step in for Andy Burnham (get well soon!) at the MBacc event at Coop Live this morning. Proud to celebrate one year of the MBacc and interview Peter Hyman about the future of education - he is challenging schools to think hard about our relevance.

When your Vice Principal is the Allotment Queen of Yorkshire! Helping me kick the Haribo habit…

Our next winner for Community Engagement is Manchester Academy where students are supported to ‘rewrite the story of Moss Side’ and ‘make Manchester magic’. We loved their thoughtful inclusive approach

We are incredibly proud to receive an award for community engagement in the MCR Healthy Schools awards 🏆 Thank you to all the staff who #MakeManchesterMagic each day 💫

A wonderful event - our ‘Faces of Our Community’ photography exhibition has been a revelation. Our photography department- staff and students and our partners at the wonderful the Whitworth have produced some Manchester magic in representing the whole MA community. Revelatory.

Stepping into, or aiming for, a middle leadership role? Our programme supports new and aspiring middle leaders across UK schools. In the last cohort, 24% of participants went on to receive a promotion. Learn more 👉 ow.ly/nuo950WpOra

This week is my 14th set of exam results as a Head. The butterflies and nerves are always the same! Good luck to everyone- to Y11 Manchester Academy see you Thursday at 9am… I am sure your dedication will be rewarded. Can’t wait to celebrate with you. To school staff & Heads, good luck

Year 11 Class of 2025 - we salute you and will miss you. The whole globe is represented in this wonderful cohort and you will go onto change the world for the better. Keep in touch and pop in if you need support - remember once MA, always MA. Good luck, go make Manchester magic!

Cross Pennines collaboration- looking forward to working with Fir Vale Academy on Sheffield with the excellent Danny Bullock. Having a ‘planning day’ in Leeds prior to start of the new academic year when the school joins United Learning Committed to supporting Northern schools.

Great to see my former school ‘making magic’. It’s come a long way since it was Ducie Technical High.

Fleeting visit back to Bristol and ran past my old school this morning Mangotsfield School Was part of the first year to join the school after two local schools amalgamated. A handful of amazing teachers inspired me to want to do this brilliant job, amongst much madness. Formative.

Fantastic return to Manchester Academy today: great to see everyone. Much love to the Y7 boy who was upset as he thought he’d lost his phone. We checked the yard & panic was rising. His friend called it and his arm started vibrating… somehow it had gotten into the lining of his blazer!

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey? Hear from Programme Director and Principal, James Eldon, as he shares inspiring feedback from past participants of our Middle Leadership Programme 💡 Invest in your career progression: ow.ly/UFkm50WV9Ga