The school’s move to the Trust comes at a time of big changes for Woodlea, which has recently had a six-figure investment programme, as well as welcoming a new headteacher.
The Trust has already provided Woodlea with over 60 brand new iPads to further improve education at the school, and ensure all children have access to this technology, regardless of their circumstances.
Abigail Oliver, Headteacher at Woodlea, said:
“I’m very pleased that Woodlea is taking this next step in our new phase of development. The opportunities joining the University of Chichester Academy Trust opens up for our pupils and staff are huge, and I know we will achieve far more together than we could separately.
“We’re joining a Trust that has collaboration at its heart, and with a close link to its sponsor, the University of Chichester, is able to draw on the latest academic thinking and research to design an engaging curriculum. I believe this will help us inspire our children, and help develop them into confident, aspirational learners.”
The University of Chichester Academy Trust, which supports a wide range of schools in the primary age sector, as well as a secondary school, is well known for the quality of its educational offering.
Jennese Alozie, CEO of the University of Chichester Academy Trust, commented:
“We are very happy to see Woodlea joining our family of schools at the University of Chichester Academy Trust.
“By joining the Trust, Woodlea will access resources and expertise from across the Trust family and with the Trust’s co-leadership approach, will also contribute to and inform practice for the benefit of the pupils, school and local community.
“I’m pleased that we have already been able to have a practical impact at Woodlea with the purchase of 60 new iPads to help pupils learn.
“Woodlea is at a unique stage of development, with Abigail leading the school to increased successes as the new headteacher. I look forward to working with her and all the staff at Woodlea to offer an excellent education to all its pupils”.
It comes as Bordon Infant School announced it was joining the same Trust earlier this month, also joining Bordon Junior School.
Joining the Trust means the school can access new resources, best teaching practice and staff training opportunities. Woodlea joins the Trust family that comprise 16 other academies.
The school’s recent investment cost over £100,000, and included new resources, a renovated cloakroom with a historical timeline, and the creation of a new and improved woodland themed library at Woodlea with over 2000 new books. The library was designed with the school, including its pupils, and supported by parents and guardians through an active PTA.