Listening & Acting Award: River Academy recognised among top 10 schools nationally for valuing pupil voice

The award is based on pupil survey responses to the national Edurio question: 
“How valued do you think pupil opinion is in your school?” 

Out of 639 schools nationwide that completed pupil surveys, River Academy ranked in the top 10, reflecting our pupils’ experience of being listened to and seeing their views influence school life. 

The National Listening & Acting Award recognises schools that do more than collect feedback. It highlights schools where listening is part of everyday practice, communication is clear, and change is visible. 

Ernest Jenavs, CEO and Co-founder of Edurio, said: 

“Listening and acting on feedback is a cultural shift. When schools embed listening, they build stronger relationships with stakeholders, make better decisions and develop long-term resilience.” 

Andy Hartley, our Headteacher, said: 

“As a school we have embedded the student experience at the heart of everything we do. Our students know that their views and ideas are valued but most importantly we work incredibly hard to build relationships, to ensure the students know that River Academy is focused on them and their experience. At River Academy we work hard to share the joy and celebrate student achievements each and every day and thus I believe the award and students responses absolutely reflect this.”

At River Academy, students are encouraged to share their views and they know they will be listened to. Staff take time to explain decisions and, where possible, show how student feedback has helped shape what happens in school.