Catalyst Academies Trust
Dilkes Academy
Overview
Dilkes Academy is a two-form entry school for children aged 3–11, supported by a thriving Nursery provision. Established in 1952, the building originally housed separate infant and junior schools before merging into one primary school in 1977. In 2010, the school opened the Dilkes Personalised Learning Centre (PLC), a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional, Mental Health) provision.
Following an Outstanding Ofsted inspection in 2012, Dilkes converted to academy status and played a founding role in forming Catalyst Academies Trust. This Outstanding status was once again confirmed in April 2023.
Becoming an Outstanding Leader in Primary Education
Challenge:
Before joining the trust, Dilkes faced the challenge of sustaining consistently high standards while meeting the diverse needs of its community, including pupils requiring specialist SEMH support.
Solution:
Catalyst Academies Trust provided strategic leadership support, professional development opportunities, and a trust-wide system leadership approach to drive improvement. Through a collaborative culture, the trust enabled Dilkes to develop strong leadership capacity, embed a broad and ambitious curriculum, and deliver high-quality SEND provision through the PLC.
Results & impact:
- Ofsted rating: Outstanding in 2012 and again in 2023.
- SEND provision: Highly effective support for pupils with SEMH needs through the Dilkes PLC, with a focus on reintegration into mainstream education.
- Culture: Strong system leadership model, enabling staff to take on leadership roles across the trust.
- Enrichment: Broad, rich curriculum with high pupil engagement, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and access to inter-trust activities.
Parent feedback reflects the school’s reputation:
“The greatest strength of Dilkes Academy is the sheer focus, organisation and determination to make sure all the children reach their potential. I think that’s what makes Dilkes Academy stick out from the rest.” (Year 1 parent)
“The school provides a supportive environment which enables my child to thrive and constantly achieve her academic goals. Thank you for all your hard work in ensuring that pupils accomplish their goals and fulfil their potential.” (Year 6 parent)
Driving Change at Dilkes Academy
Catalyst Academies Trust’s support for Dilkes has included:
- Leadership development through mentoring, coaching, and system leadership opportunities.
- Collaborative curriculum design with trust schools to ensure breadth, depth, and ambition.
- Expertise in SEMH provision, enabling highly individualised support for pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans.
- Ongoing professional development, including action research projects and outreach to other schools.
- Enrichment and inter-school activities to strengthen community identity and pupil engagement.
Standout Leaders and Staff Expertise
Rhys Latham - Deputy Executive Headteacher & Headteacher at Dilkes Academy
Rhys has been part of Catalyst since 2005, leading Dilkes to continued Outstanding success. As Strategic Lead for the trust’s Teaching School and a trainer for the National Science Learning Centre, he drives curriculum improvement across schools. He oversees the Dilkes PLC, supporting pupils with SEMH needs to build resilience and self-regulation. Holding a Master’s in Education, Rhys uses action research to shape professional development and embraces outreach to share effective practice regionally.
Hayley Nye - Deputy Headteacher & Science Subject Leader
Hayley leads science and teaching and learning at Dilkes, sharing her expertise across the trust and local schools. A Science Subject Leader and STEM facilitator, she has twice achieved the PSQM Gilt Award and leads an ENTHUSE Project Partnership with DP World and STEM to raise career aspirations. Her coaching, mentoring, and research-led approach help teachers deliver inspiring and impactful lessons.
Shared Vision and Whole-Child Development
Dilkes’ ethos aligns closely with the trust’s commitment to high expectations and whole-child development. The school fosters individuality, builds resilience, and supports pupils to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Pupils learn a broad, rich and deep curriculum. They respond exceptionally well to the high expectations that all staff have. Pupils are active participants in lessons. They have developed resilience, and they understand that they learn more when there is a challenge.” (Ofsted, 2023)
Facilities That Inspire Learning
Dilkes offers exceptional facilities, including a large ICT suite, extensive library with teaching areas, cricket strip, outdoor gym, and a state-of-the-art Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) with a wide range of PE equipment. These resources support both academic learning and active, healthy lifestyles.
“Leaders and staff identify and meet the needs of all pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) remarkably well. All barriers to learning are reduced. This is achieved by highly trained staff, who keep detailed records of pupils. This enables all staff to understand pupils’ needs and adapt the teaching support appropriately. This approach is individualised and means that pupils with SEND achieve exceptionally well.” (Ofsted, 2023)
The Ongoing Journey
Dilkes Academy continues to innovate, adapt, and maintain its Outstanding standards. With Catalyst Academies Trust’s support, the school is committed to developing future leaders, expanding enrichment opportunities, and ensuring all pupils, including those with specialist needs, are equipped to succeed in secondary school and beyond.
Find out more about our approach to teacher training, school-to-school support, LLE & SLE coaching or view the Catalyst School prospectus.
To explore how Catalyst Academies Trust could support your school get in touch.