Summerhill Academy Principal on B27/7 website

Every morning, Chris Barratt, senior principal of Summerhill Academy in St George, stands at the school gate. After nearly two decades in education, this simple routine remains his favourite part of the day.

“As much as possible, it’s me on the gate,” he says. “That interaction – it’s one of the most important parts of being a headteacher.”

The school gates are the frontline of a strategic and human-centred approach to creating a positive school culture. Post-pandemic, persistent absence—defined as pupils missing ten per cent or more of school—has become a  national concern.

To read the full story on the B24/7 website please click here.