Wildern Academy Trust
Care Opportunity Quality

Spring Message from Miss Litton

Dear Parent/Guardian

As another term draws to a close we find ourselves moving towards lighter days and better weather with at last a journey to work in the daylight. This term, as always, has been full with much happening across all three of our schools. While we have continued, like so many schools, to be hit by the ongoing challenges of COVID we have endeavored to operate across the Trust as normal. It has been a challenge and on behalf of all three headteachers I thank you for your support and understanding when classes have had to be collapsed, some students having to work remotely or indeed have a different teacher. The resilience shown by students, staff and indeed parents is testament to the community we are part of, although I am sure we are all feeling rather worn down by it now. Two lockdowns has taken its toll on all of us, especially the youngsters but with all of our support they will continue to thrive and make progress, of that I am sure.

Boorley Park has now been open three years and next year we see our first Year of Key Stage 2 begin and we finally move to using some of the upstairs classrooms. As the school grows so has the staffing body and I am delighted to confirm that the school is fully staffed for September. Some of the colleagues have been training at the school and are excited about taking up their first teaching post with us. Mrs Ozanne has been appointed as Assistant Headteacher and will work with Mrs Sillars in supporting the work and vision for the school.

Deer Park, which only opened in September with 124 children, welcomes five more classes in September. We have a small but fabulous group of teachers who have worked tirelessly this year to create a wonderful learning environment for the students. Mr Jones, currently Deputy Headteacher, moves into the Headteacher post in the summer term which will then enable me to return to me Executive Head role, basing myself back at Wildern some of the week and the other schools for the remainder. It is genuinely a thrill to work with such gifted Headteachers who work so hard for the children in their care. Deer Park is virtually fully staffed for next year and thanks must go to our Wildern colleagues who have come and taught at Deer Park this year, we could not have done it without them. While some will still support us a little next year, by year 3 the school will be independently staffed. Like Boorley we have recruited some excellent teachers who we look forward to welcoming in September.

Wildern continues to thrive as another cohort moves towards their final term and examinations. All credit must go to the Year 11 students whose commitment to their studies despite the challenges of the last few years has been unwavering, we are very proud of them as I am sure you are. Again Wildern is full next year and remains oversubscribed as has been the pattern for over twenty years. Adding a second school has certainly helped alleviate some of that pressure and ensure that all in catchment children have secured a place at their local schools. As many of you know this has not always been the case. Wildern always attracts great teachers and is fully staffed for the coming year. In typical Wildern style the students and staff have embraced their charity work, which in such dark times internationally their generosity is amazing. We are not living in easy times but still bags of goods were brought in to support the Ukrainian appeal, just one example. This selfless approach typifies our children and families.

To conclude our family of three schools continue to thrive, despite the challenges. My sincere thanks as always to all of you for your continued support and patience’s at times. I wish you all a restful Easter when it arrives and hope the sun continues to shine.

Yours faithfully

Miss M L Litton

Executive Headteacher