Bradford primary school named Microsoft Showcase School

Wilsden Primary School joins elite group of schools recognised for use of technology to inspire children

A Bradford-based primary school has now been recognised as part of Microsoft’s select group of elite schools that exemplify the best of teaching and learning in the world today.

The school achieved the award in recognition of its commitment to use digital technology to inspire children, further their learning and support vulnerable pupils using a range of Microsoft technology.

The Microsoft Showcase Schools Program is an opportunity to engage with Microsoft and like-minded school leaders around the world to deepen and expand education transformation using the education transformation framework.

Wilsden began its journey in 2020, when the school was looking how they can utilise technology to enhance the learning of pupils. Having demonstrated that they would use every piece of the transformation framework to its fullest potential I the school will now receive free training, before going on to support other schools through the ‘incubator school’ process.

As part of these improvements, Wilsden Primary School introduced the use of the ‘reading progress’ tool, using the analysis it provides to engage more learners.

Microsoft commented that they ‘look forward to supporting and learning from the school as they continue to innovate and drive whole school transformation.’

Commenting on the school’s journey, head of school Andrew Chadwick, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with Microsoft as part of their group of Showcase Schools.

“Along the journey we have picked up some great new ideas to improve the learning and overall engagement of students.

“We’re always searching for ways to improve as a school, looking to the future, we want to further develop the use of technology for our pupils.”

Wilsden Primary School forms part of the Focus-Trust – a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the Northwest of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing great schools at the heart of communities where children thrive, achieve and succeed.