Parent & Carer Testimonials

"When we looked around Willow Tree for the first time the one thing that struck me was that the headteacher knew the names of pretty much all of the kids - and in a school of 550 kids, that's pretty amazing! The care and support the staff team show towards every child is the thing that marked Willow Tree out for us. And since our girls have joined the school, they've blossomed, both as little learners and within their friendship groups. We couldn't be happier with the experience they're having at Willow Tree."

Parent of Year 2 and Year 4 pupils.

"We came to Harrogate 9 years ago with absolutely no knowledge of the quality of schools prior to our move. We were very keen to send our son to the local school so that we could walk there and his new friends would be near by. How lucky were we that Willow Tree Primary School was it. It has been a wonderful, happy, fun and safe environment for our son to grow both academically and personally. We would have no hesitation in recommending Willow Tree to others moving into the area."

Parent of Year 5 pupil.

"Willow Tree has exceeded all expectations I ever had of it. It is a friendly, inclusive, nurturing and dedicated school. My children are extremely happy there and have loved every teacher and element of their schooling to date. The progress they make with their learning and knowledge impresses me daily and they are excited and enthused by their teachers. They have made strong friendship groups that spread wide across the school and they are supported at every level. Mrs Davey is an amazing involved head teacher who puts the school at the forefront of everything - I'm still amazed she knows each and every child's name in a school of over 500!"  

Parent of Nursery, Year 1 and Year 5 pupils.

"Our children love being at Willow Tree. It is really apparent that the teachers know all the children so well and really care for them. The school is focussed on children enjoying learning and being happy as well as helping them reach their full potential. The Kagan learning they use throughout the school is excellent and has really benefited our children."

Parent of Reception and Year 3 pupils.

"Willow Tree Primary School provides a caring, nurturing and joyful environment, where I believe the schools moto ‘Learning, Laughter, Friendship’ is apparent in everything the school does. Both my children have attended the school, from nursery through to year 6, with my youngest child leaving summer 2020, and the school helped them in so many ways. Both my children were supported and encouraged at every step, to do their best and achieve what they are truly capable of. When they left for secondary school, they were confident, self-assured, happy and academically well prepared; not sure there is much more you can ask.

The things I love about Willow Tree include the way that the staff spend time getting to know each child and understand what makes them tick, and they are always ready and willing to listen to any concerns you may have about your child in their school life. I love the way the staff are really proactive in sharing celebratory moments in your child’s school life and I really appreciate how many opportunities there are for children to be positively rewarded. It’s a really encouraging atmosphere that recognises different strengths that children have, taking the time to celebrate them and helping the children to shine and grow more confident and resilient throughout their primary school life.

I also love the open space around Willow Tree, and the opportunities the children have to play and learn outside of the classroom. We are very lucky in having the green space all around the school, and the school makes really good use of it. We are also very lucky to have our own pool; having access to swimming lessons across the years is definitely a plus point.

Both my children tell me that they had the best time at Willow Tree and as a parent I would recommend this lovely school without any hesitation."

Parent of previous pupil and Year 6 pupil.

"My first impression of Willow Tree, when I came to look round in late 2016, was of honesty, genuineness and transparency. This was of vital importance as we grappled with the decision to transfer our four children. 

I was impressed by the evidence based information, too. It's always lovely to hear that your children are doing well; it's even better to hear that they're doing well because.....x, y or z.

The Kagan events provided a wonderful insight into teaching and learning. Every child was involved. The teachers were enthusiastic, passionate and brought the subjects to life.

I feel that my children are in capable hands, that the teachers know their capabilities and their insecurities. Communication between home and school is open.

When we first arrived at Willow Tree, it felt enormous, but in a very short time, the children settled in and it didn't feel at all overwhelming.

Moving the children to Willow Tree is one of the best decisions we made."

Parent of two previous pupils, a Year 3 and a Year 5 pupil.

My two children were both pupils at Willow Tree right from Nursery through to Year 6 (2010-2017 and 2013-2020). I have no hesitation in recommending the school to new families.

My children are now aged 14 and 12, and are both happy, confident learners. They were well supported at Willow Tree by some amazing teachers and had a very wide circle of friends from all around the local community. They enjoyed many extra-curricular activities and clubs, opportunities to represent the school, a wide range of guests and visitors, interesting school trips, and both were able to access music lessons (keyboard and cello).

I always felt that my children were happy and safe at school and that their learning needs were being met. All members of teaching staff and office staff were always approachable and accessible; always ready to listen and to help with any queries or issues. I have nothing but praise for the Headteacher, Dr Helen Davey, and feel very fortunate that we had the benefit of her leadership throughout our ten years at the school.

As a parent, I was always encouraged to be involved in school life, and did so my volunteering time to help in the classrooms or on school trips, and by taking part in shared learning activities. I also enjoyed being involved in the school PTA, helping to put on fun activities to raise extra funds.

My children are now both at high school, where they have taken with them good academic achievement and positive learning behaviour, thanks to their years at Willow Tree. I know that they will always look back fondly on their time.

Parent of two previous pupils.