A primary school in Thirsk is looking to the future after appointing an internationally experienced literacy expert as its new headteacher.
Jonny Davies has taken over leadership at Keeble Gateway Academy, bringing with him a wealth of experience from schools across the UK and overseas.
Born and educated in Leeds, Mr Davies studied Ancient History at Cardiff University before completing his teacher training back in Yorkshire. He has taught in schools across North Yorkshire and Leeds, as well as working internationally, delivering lectures, conferences and writing workshops across Europe and the Middle East, including in schools with more than 4,000 pupils.
His career has also included working with an education technology start-up, supporting rapid school improvement programmes, and collaborating with a research school focused on metacognition — the study of how children think and learn in the classroom.
“I have always loved teaching and understanding children’s brain development and how they best learn,” Mr Davies said.
Now leading Keeble Gateway Academy, Mr Davies joins the Elevate Multi Academy Trust, one of ten trusts working alongside the Diocese of Leeds, with whom he has previously partnered across both mainstream and SEND provision.
He said his leadership approach centres on being highly visible and building strong relationships with families and the wider community.
“My mantra is ‘visible leadership’, and I enjoy being on the school gate every morning and afternoon, building relationships with families,” he said.
“I’m passionate about behaviour, pastoral care and creating a positive, nurturing culture. School life should be steeped in positivity.”
Mr Davies says priorities include sharpening teaching and learning, strengthening the curriculum and expanding Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and SEND provision, while sharing best practice across the Elevate Trust.
Keeble Gateway Academy opened in 2019 to serve the growing housing development in Sowerby. The school currently has around 160 pupils from nursery to Year 6, supported by approximately 20 staff, and was rated Good by Ofsted in 2024.
Mr Davies praised the school’s facilities, describing them as among the best he has worked in.
“The classrooms are light and modern, the hall functions like an auditorium with excellent acoustics, and there’s a forest school,” he said. “The facilities are inspiring.”
However, he added that the school also has a key role to play at the heart of the developing community.
“To be the flagship school of Elevate, we need to demonstrate exceptional practice and become a pillar of strength in the community. As more families move into the area, they need confidence that their children will receive an exceptional education.”
Mr Davies, who is married with two young children, also has a sporting background, having played cricket for Yorkshire Schools alongside England internationals Adil Rashid and Adam Lyth.
Since taking up the post, he has been encouraged by strong parental engagement, with families attending recent performing arts events and pupils taking part in community activities, including visits to a local nursing home.
“It’s all about relationships,” he said.
“Knowing every child, working closely with families and the community, and making learning enjoyable and fun. Children need boundaries and clarity, but they also need to feel happy and valued.”
The school plans to introduce more opportunities for families to engage with school life through celebration assemblies and community events, as it continues to grow alongside the local area.
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