Haedteacher's Welcome
Welcome to Archbishop of York’s Church of England Junior School
It is a real privilege to welcome you to Archbishop of York’s Church of England Junior School. Whether your child is joining us from Bishopthorpe Infants or from another school, we are delighted to welcome you and your family to our school community.
I feel particularly fortunate to know many of our families already through my role as Headteacher of Bishopthorpe Infants, and I am incredibly proud of the close relationship between our two schools. Although Bishopthorpe Infants is not a Church of England school, it is wonderful that our two schools share the same vision:
‘All In, Reaching Out, Soaring Together’
For children moving from Bishopthorpe Infants, this shared vision provides a familiar thread as they make the transition into the Junior School. For families joining us from elsewhere, we hope it quickly becomes a vision that feels equally meaningful and reflects what we want for every child who becomes part of our community.
While the Junior School has its distinct Christian foundation and faith character, our shared values and aspirations provide a strong foundation for children as they begin this next stage of their education.
At the heart of our Christian vision is the belief that every child is valued, loved and encouraged to flourish. All In reflects our commitment to belonging and giving our best. Reaching Out reflects Jesus’ example of love, compassion and service, encouraging children to care for others and make a positive difference. Soaring Together reflects our belief that children flourish when they are nurtured, supported and challenged to reach their full potential.
Our K.I.T.E values – Kind, Inclusive, Thrive and Explore – bring this vision to life. Shared across Bishopthorpe Infants and Archbishop of York’s, they provide familiar values for children moving between the schools, while giving every child a strong foundation for how we treat one another, learn and grow.
Our TEAMS – North, East, South and West – add another important dimension to school life, bringing children together through friendship, teamwork, leadership and a strong sense of belonging.
I am incredibly proud of the relationship between Bishopthorpe Infants and Archbishop of York’s and of the continuity this offers our children. At the same time, I am equally excited to welcome families who are beginning their journey with us at the Junior School. Every child brings their own experiences, strengths and story, and every family has an important place within our community.
Whether you are joining us from Bishopthorpe Infants or from another school, you are very welcome. I look forward to getting to know you and your children and to sharing all that Archbishop of York’s Church of England Junior School has to offer.
With warm wishes,
Kerry Davies
Executive Headteacher
Christian Vision, Values and Ethos
All In, Reaching Out, Soaring Together
‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.’ Colossians 3:23
Although our Infant and Junior Schools have different names, we are one school community, united by our shared K.I.T.E. values – Kind, Inclusive, Thrive and Explore, our shared team names: North, East, South and West, our shared school rules, shared leadership and governance and PTA. Together, these help to create a strong sense of belonging and underpin our commitment to ensuring that every child feels they belong, develop a love of learning and is supported to flourish.
All In – We belong and we give our best
We want everyone in our school community to feel included, valued and ready to make the most of every opportunity. We will encourage everyone to approach learning and life with enthusiasm, perseverance and pride in what they do.
For our Junior School, this also reflects the Christian foundation of the school. Our Christian vision encourages us to strive for excellence, remembering that God delighted in his work of creation. We want everyone to recognise the gifts and talents they have been given and to use them to the best of their ability. The words from Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,” provide a powerful expression of this aspiration and remind us to give our very best in all that we do.
Reaching Out – We care about others
We want our whole school community to be a place where everyone is welcomed, valued and treated with kindness and respect. We encourage children to look beyond themselves, include others and offer friendship, support and compassion.
Within our Junior School’s Christian vision, this is inspired by the example and teaching of Jesus, who welcomed and served others without favouritism. This strengthens our shared commitment to being a community where everyone matters and everyone has a part to play.
Soaring Together – We grow and flourish together
We want our school community to take joy in life and learning, discover their strengths and be supported and challenged to achieve their potential.
For our Junior School, this connects with the Christian belief in God’s invitation to life in all its fullness and the understanding that God’s love meets us where we are and invites us to grow and be transformed.
Across both schools, we believe children flourish when they are supported by their families, teachers and support staff, friends and the wider community. Soaring Together captures our belief that we achieve more when we encourage and support one another.
All In, Reaching Out, Soaring Together is a vision for all of us – children, staff and families. It captures our ambition to create a community where everyone belongs, everyone contributes and everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
School Aims
Archbishop of York’s Church of England Junior School is an inclusive school that fosters a sense of pride and belonging.
- We value each child and adult within our community and endeavour to lay the foundation of respect and appreciation for others – celebrating and encouraging individuality.
- We aim to encourage our children to become life-long, independent, self motivated learners who aspire to achieve their potential, to the fullest extent, both within and beyond the curriculum.
- Our broad, balanced and creative curriculum encourages our children to ask questions and develop lively, inquiring minds within a stimulating and motivating environment.
- We aim to establish and maintain a strong team spirit, which enables everyone associated with our school to work collaboratively and to share knowledge and understanding with all.
- We strive to nurture positive mindset and active, healthy lifestyles.
- Through the Christian ethos of our school, we want children to develop the moral values and social skills that will help them become caring, respectful, responsible members of our school and the wider community.
School Rules
- Follow instructions
- Listen, speak and act with respect
- Keep hands and feet to yourself
- Treat others as you wish to be treated
‘In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you’ Matthew 7v12
Church School
We are very proud of our Church School status which is central to the ethos of the school and permeates all aspects of its life. We believe that Jesus Christ is at the heart of all that we do and we endeavour to deliver his message to all the children who attend AYJS.
We believe that it is important to provide the children at AYJS with a variety of Worship Styles, enabling them to see and understand that there is no one fixed approach and that worshipping God can take on many forms. It can be still and silent or loud and noisy with lots of action! The crucial thing is that the children find it memorable and know that it is a time when they can come closer to God.
We reach out into our community and receive worship support from the following people and groups:
- St Andrews Church, Bishopthorpe
- Bishopthorpe Methodist Church
- YoYo (York Schools and York Trust)
- The Local ‘Open the Book’ Team
- Local Lay Preachers
- Foundation Governors
- The School Worship Team
- The School ‘Jesus and Me’ (‘JAM’ Club)
- Riding Lights Theatre Company
- iSingPOP
- The Archbishop of York
Religious Education Curriculum
Religious Education assumes an important role in our school curriculum and is a fundamental feature of school life generally. The Religious Education curriculum aims to develop the child’s awareness of religion and the religious beliefs and practices, which influence the lives of so many people. Religious Education is part of the core curriculum, and contributes to the overall aims of education to promote the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils at the school and to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
It is taught in accordance with the requirements of the City of York Agreed Syllabus (SACRE 2021-2026). Parents retain the right to withdraw their children on religious grounds from this subject. Please also see RE Curriculum links.
Collective Worship
In the daily acts of Collective Worship we aim to:
Encourage children to appreciate and live out our Christian values.
Have regard for the beliefs and practices of the Church of England
Acknowledge and build a special relationship between the school and the parish church
The spiritual, social, cultural, and moral welfare of our pupils, whatever their background, is of prime concern to us at school. However, Christian values are built into our ethos and teaching, and are reflected in the cycle of themes on which our daily acts of worship are based.
Collective Worship is organised on a whole school basis, and is led by staff, clergy, visitors and the pupils themselves. One of the ways our school expresses its Christian character is by having services in our local church each term.
Parents do have the right to withdraw their children on religious grounds from acts of Collective Worship, but we believe that pupils so excluded would miss an important part of school life. If any parents wish to exercise their right, they are asked to discuss this matter with the Headteacher, and alternative arrangements will be made.
The Reflection Area
The Reflection Area is a very special and quiet space that we have created for our pupils. In today’s sometimes chaotic and confusing world, it is increasing evident that at times, we all need a quiet time and place to gather our thoughts and reflect. This is the same for many of our lovely children at AYJS. The area is fenced and has an arched entrance, leading up a pathway, to a centre pebble mosaic of a dragonfly. We have also included a wooden cross, bird bath, an outdoor mirror, raised flower beds, a gazebo, seating and a beautiful stained glass piece of artwork, which has been thoughtfully designed by one of our pupils.
Worship Team
The Worship Team is a group of pupils taken from all the year groups who share our Christian Values. They meet regularly to consider worship themes and plan whole school worship. They often lead worship. Their role is to focus on our Christian ethos within our school, our community and the wider world.
JAM Club (Jesus and Me Club)
We run a weekly JAM club. We welcome all children to come and explore their christian faith, learn about Bible heroes and stories, play games, do crafts and quizzes, make music, pray together and have fun!
Useful Links
Yorkshire Learning Trust
Our school converted to Academy status in November 2018 and in September 2025 joined the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT).
As proud members of Yorkshire Learning Trust, we are part of a community of schools dedicated to Excellence in Every Journey.
Born out of the merger of South York Multi Academy Trust and STAR Multi Academy Trust, Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) brings together 17 schools across both primary and secondary phases, a committed team of around 1,000 staff, and approximately 7,000 students to a thriving learning community where they fully belong and always matter.
Through shared expertise, collaborative working, and a shared belief in the potential of every child, we work together with our Trust to ensure that all learners feel included, supported, and inspired to achieve their very best.
Being part of YLT strengthens our commitment to aspiration, inclusion, collaboration, and integrity. These values shape everything we do, allowing us to retain our unique identity as a school community while ensuring cross-Trust collaboration and school improvement goes where they’re needed most.
Collaboration with YLT is purposeful, respectful, and tailored to the needs of our community at any given time, ensuring every child receives an ambitious, inclusive, and high-quality education.
All this is geared towards a single aspiration: to ensure all children leave our doors ready for the next stage of their education and employment.
Please watch this short video to learn more about our values:
To find out more about our ambition and the work we do, please visit our website.
YLT Postal Address
Yorkshire Learning Trust
Rose Cottage
Toulston
Tadcaster
LS24 9NB
YLT Contact Details
Phone: 01937 538538
Email: enquires@ylt.org.uk
Website: https://www.ylt.org.uk/
YLT Financial Statements
For Legal, Financial and Statutory Information, please visit the YLT website.
Governance
Our Governance Structure
Within Yorkshire Trust, each school has a Local Governing Committee (LGC) that supports the work of the school and the Trust. The LGC has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation as defined by our Board of Trustees.
Further information about our governance structure, including details of our Trustees and Members, is available via the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) website.
Our Local Governing Committee (LGC)
Our Local Governing Committee (sometimes called our Local Governing Board or Local Governing Body) is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high-quality education and safe environment for all our children. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school, the Governors set the school’s aims and some school specific policies.
Governors are people who volunteer their time to work together as part of the LGC team and who wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. Governors do not need an education background; they have an interest in the role of schools in society and have enquiring minds which contribute to the effective running of the school and the educational achievements and wellbeing of its pupils.
Main aims of our Governing Board
The purpose of governance is to provide:
- Strategic leadership
- Accountability and assurance
- Strategic engagement.
LGCs carry out a number of important duties alongside the Trust, which include:
- Ensuring our children are safe.
- Working with school staff to ensure inclusion and equality for all.
- Reviewing policy on the school’s curriculum and collective worship.
- Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour.
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies.
- Agreeing the school’s development plan and monitoring progress against clear objectives.
- Determining how the school’s budget is spent.
- Understanding the views of our stakeholders, including children, parents and staff.
- Hearing appeals and grievances.
Our meetings and membership
Our LGC usually meets six times a year. Minutes of the LGC meetings are available on request from the School Office or via clerktogovs@ylt.org.uk.
Attendance at LGC meetings is recorded and published annually on the YLT website.
Governors are expected to declare any relevant business and financial interests they may have. This Register of Business Interests is available via the YLT website.
Our LGC consists of 12 governors; the Headteacher, elected Parent Governors, elected Staff Governor; Foundation Governors; and Trust-Appointed Governors. The Register of Business Interests, available via the YLT website, includes a list of our current and recent governors, how they were appointed to the LGC, and their term of office.
Our Joint Chairs of Governors are Mrs Jane Flint and Reverend Simon Bray who can be contacted by writing to the school address, or emailing: j.flint@ayjs.co.uk
| Local Governor’s Name | Category of Local Governor |
| Mrs Jane Flint (Joint Chair) | Foundation appointed |
| Revd Simon Bray (Joint Chair) | Foundation appointed & Ex-Officio |
| Miss Sophie Cunningham (Vice Chair & SEND) | Trust appointed |
| Mrs Kate Freer | Parent appointed (BIS) |
| Mrs Alpa Mistry | Parent appointed (AYJS) |
| Mrs Joanne Block | Staff appointed (AYJS) |
| Mrs Angela Rhodes | Staff appointed (BIS) |
| Dr Rosamund Boddington | Foundation appointed |
| Mr Simon Sykes (Health & Safety) | Trust appointed |
| Megan Greenwood | Trust appointed |
| Hannah Harris | Trust appointed |
If you are interested in volunteering for the school or Trust as a school governor, please see our latest vacancies and application form available on the YLT website.
Diversity statement
At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are not only embraced but are seen as a source of strength.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them.
We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Yorkshire Learning Trust – additional governance and financial information
Details of our Trustees and Members are on the YLT website.
There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online.
This includes our Articles of Association; Annual Reports and Accounts; funding agreements Executive Pay reports; and Gender Pay Gap reports. This information is published on our Trust website.
Staff
Leadership Team |
||
| Kerry Davies | Executive Headteacher | |
| Jenny Ingram | Deputy Headteacher | |
| Zita Ferencz Clarke | SENCDo | |
Teachers |
||
| Lucy Carrington | Y3 Teacher | |
| Amy Roberts | Y4 Teacher | |
| Zita Ferencz-Clarke | Y5/6 Teacher | |
| Jo Block | Y5/6 Teacher | |
| Stephen Rawlinson | Y5/6 Teacher | |
Support Staff(some members of staff work across both sites at AYJS and Bishopthorpe Infants) |
|
| Angela Dennison | School Business Manager |
| Audrey Davy | Admin Assistant |
| Margaret Seager | Admin Assistant |
| Claire Savage | HLTA /Wellbeing and Pastoral Lead |
| Carley Ray | HLTA |
| Jo Harlow | Teaching Assistant |
| Vicky O’Brien | Teaching Assistant |
| Vikki Russell | Teaching Assistant |
| Karen Tate | Teaching Assistant |
| Hannah Leadbetter | Teaching Assistant |
| Jen Smith | Teaching Assistant |
School History
Our Little Village School
‘Archbishop of York’s school’ was first built in 1763 on ‘Lord’s waste’, a piece of land belonging to Archbishop Drummond.
In 1846 Archbishop Harcourt built a new school. His building is now used as the playgroup. The buildings on school lane were transformed into a girl’s school. We think the girls joined the boys in 1893 when the old school was sold. The school stayed in these new buildings for 120 years. Many older people in the village remember going to this school.
Our school was built on the old playing field in 1976. Children who attended the school had the age range of 5-11 years old, until 1973 when the infant school opened.
The first headmaster was Mr. Alan Clementson. Working with him were five teachers. They worked with the 205 children attending the school.
School Gallery
