Dan Dukes – Principal, Adwick Primary School
Since beginning my teaching career in 2008, I’ve had the privilege of teaching across every year group in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. My journey has taken me from the classrooms of Dorset to Yorkshire, where I’ve found my professional home. After teaching in Sheffield, I joined Adwick Primary in 2013, and over the course of ten years, I gained valuable leadership experience as both an Assistant and Deputy Headteacher.
In May 2024, I stepped into the role of Headteacher as Adwick Primary joined Venn Academy Trust. This transition was made seamless thanks to Venn’s comprehensive support. Through the new principal training programme, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from an experienced Executive Director of Education and Improvement, as well as collaborate with other seasoned principals through the trust’s peer-to-peer reviews.
Venn’s central team has been a constant source of guidance, answering questions and offering support across key areas such as HR, safeguarding, finance, and governance. This network of expertise has been invaluable during my first year as Headteacher, providing the confidence and resources I need to lead effectively.
With Venn’s encouragement and collaborative environment, I feel empowered to continue developing as a leader while creating the best possible outcomes for our pupils, staff, and school community. I’m proud to be part of a trust that values growth, innovation, and shared success.
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“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“Pupils love learning at this school. Each morning, friendly staff greet children at the door with big smiles. This creates a welcoming and positive environment for all pupils.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
“Highly effective and passionate leaders, from in school and the trust, work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make very strong progress from their varied starting points.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”