Jon Fordham - our wonderful headteacher, beloved husband and father of four young children, sadly died on 10th December 2021, on the eve of his 42nd birthday, after a short illness. 

Appointed Head Teacher at Allenton Community Primary School in 2014, Jon’s caring and inclusive leadership was instrumental in taking this school on a swift improvement journey out of special measures to a solid good in just three years. His determination to give every child, regardless of their background, a good education and equal life chances, and his ability to include everyone along on a school improvement journey continues to drive Allenton’s success. His passion, knowledge and experience extended throughout the Trust and widely into the community he loved so much and we will never forget him.

Jon has left a lasting impression on the school and those that knew him in education and the wider community. He believed in educating the whole child; academically, socially and emotionally. To help the children in his care to believe in themselves, and to truly understand what it means to be a great learner, he created our four vibrant Learning Superheroes:

      Resilience          Reflectiveness       Resourcefulness      Reciprocity

He designed and animated each one as a colourful aid to encourage children to fall in love with learning, whilst gaining confidence and independence and building resilience to navigate their way through their formative years, overcoming any obstacles in their way.

Jon believed our school should “enhance and support every child on their journey to becoming global citizens who contribute positively to their community and the wider world.”  We share and continue his belief… ‘that our children, understand, believe in. and achieve their full potential.’

Jon Fordham 1979 -2021

How we want to remember our own superhero, Mr Fordham

Our new Superhero Zone:

Jon Fordham’s Superheroes have helped hundreds of children develop as learners and they will live on in our school to help countless more.

With this in mind, our children and staff have thought carefully about how they mark Jon’s memory, using his character creations. His wanted every child to develop a love of learning, and he created inspirational spaces and places inside and outside the classroom to realise this desire.

One of his favourite learning areas is our outdoor space at the centre of our school. It was decided that we combine all of the above and create a ‘Superhero Zone’. This will be a dedicated learning area where pupils come to learn, be curious and develop and practise their skills. This zone will not only be a fitting tribute to Jon, but it will also benefit many children for years to come.

The area would be developed to included spaces where children could explore what it means to be resourceful, reflective and resilient and demonstrate reciprocity. 

Please view some photos below of the courtyard project works from start to finish.

A message from the school council, was that ‘Mr Fordham never gave up working even when ill, so we should never give up  learning.’

How have you helped us create a zone fit for Superheroes?

We knew our plans to create a fitting Superhero legacy and learning space were ambitious, but we knew with a little help from our friends we could bring the children’s dream to life. It didn’t matter how big or small, but every contribution made has helped us achieve our goal.

We would like to thank all of the local businesses that have helped and supported the school throughout this project. From those who have been onsite to help clear the area to the hampers and prizes we had donated for our school raffle. We couldn’t have raised the amount we did with your support so Thank you!