Jess Holtby – Teacher, Venn Boulevard Centre
I joined Venn Academy Trust in September 2021, teaching across both the Venn Boulevard Centre and The Sullivan Centre sites. As part of the maths team, I quickly discovered the immense satisfaction of creating lessons that are practical, accessible, meaningful, and fun for students. Seeing pupils engage with maths in new ways inspired me to explore further opportunities for development and innovation.
This passion led me to collaborate with the Yorkshire and Humber Maths Hub, where I joined a research and innovation workgroup focused on recognising the unique characteristics of SEND in maths. In September 2023, I began my Teaching for Mastery journey—a three-year programme designed to help me become a secondary mastery specialist. With the full support of Venn’s senior leadership team, I’ve been able to pursue this exciting work, which will allow me to strengthen our maths department and eventually provide support to schools within the local area.
In addition to my work with the Maths Hub, I am also completing the Aspirant Leader Course alongside Venn leaders, giving me deeper insights into central leadership and the trust’s culture. Venn has been instrumental in nurturing my professional development, and I feel proud to be part of a team that values our individual strengths, celebrates successes, and fosters a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
The opportunities I’ve had at Venn have been truly transformative, and I’m excited for what the future holds as I continue to grow and contribute to our community.
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“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
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“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
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“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
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“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
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“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
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“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
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“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
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“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
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“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
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“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
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“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
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“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
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“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.”
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“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
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“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
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“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.”
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“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
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“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
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“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
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“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
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“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
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“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
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“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
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“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
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“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
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“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
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“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
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“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
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“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
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“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
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“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
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“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
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“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”