The Sapientia Education Trust is more than a partnership of like-minded schools; it is a family that values the importance of every stage of a child’s life with a proven record of providing a world class education, locally.
Wymondham College, the largest state boarding school in the UK, was the founding school of the Trust when CEO and National Leader of Education, Jonathan Taylor was principal.
Stradbroke High School was the first school to join the Trust and is possibly one of the smallest secondary schools in the country. It joining the Trust in December 2017 is a reflection of the Trust’s diversity and commitment to working with rural schools while opening education up to national and international students through the Wymondham College boarding provision.
The school achieved its best ever results this summer. Once the DfE publishes the 2018 exam results they are likely to be one of the highest in the region - if not nationally - for progress measures. This is the measure of academic progress students make from Year 6 to Year 11, compared to other children nationally.
The Trust, headteacher John Axtell and his team at the school are very proud Ofsted recognised the school as “Good” back in the spring, as it heads towards “Outstanding”. To support this journey, the Trust has invested in an additional senior leader who is focusing on student achievement with the remit to further increase students’ achievements and aspirations.
Situated near Trust schools Burston Primary and Tivetshall Primary, Stradbroke High has welcomed an additional 35 students this year across all year groups, which reflects its growing popularity in the community and beyond and is now the local school of choice.
Old Buckenham High School is the newest Trust school, joining on September 1 this year and situated just across the road from Old Buckenham Primary School which has been with the Trust for more than a year now. The two schools are collaborating through a variety of exciting projects and offer an all through education from nursery to GCSEs in the village with the opportunity to then go on and study at Wymondham College Sixth Form.
Old Buckenham High celebrated a really good set of results in the summer, improving on last year and is on an upward trajectory, already above national averages.
The headteacher, Andrew Fell, has been in post for three years and has brought in a new leadership team who, with its staff, are driving a clear and ambitious vision for their students, reflected in the improving examination results.
The Trust is already planning building work to improve the school, ensuring the community receives all round support for school improvement.
Both Old Buckenham High and Stradbroke High Schools boast extensive outside areas with all-weather pitches, providing space for the many sports played.
Old Buckenham High School students reached the final in the National U16s girls Cricket Competition, relishing the chance to play at Lords cricket ground in London while Stradbroke High students attended a football development programme at the Real Madrid ground.
There are also well-equipped science labs, drama studios, music technology, vibrant libraries, computer suites and an area for students to go when they need some additional support with their studies or wellbeing.
“Both schools provide excellent progression from primary school and with collaboration between primary and secondary continuing to evolve, children who are part of our Trust primary schools can continue their education with like-minded teachers and children,” said Zoe Fisher, director of secondary improvement for the Trust.
The Trust’s schools provide young people with an all-round education, from nursery through to GCSEs and onto A-levels at Wymondham College, cementing that nurturing, family feel.
“Support is given to every student to help discover their future pathways and for those who wish to continue an academic route, they will build relationships with Wymondham College Sixth Form so they have a natural progression with transport or boarding available,” she added.
“The schools provide a rich and broad curriculum with a staff that is invested in each individual student. Individual success is celebrated and personal challenge is encouraged within a supportive and friendly environment.
“There’s a strong focus on academic achievement but just as important is providing opportunities that go beyond the classroom to broaden experiences, deepen friendships and raise aspirations. There are extensive extracurricular activities for our young people.”
Each school within the Trust has its own personality and community identity, offering individual opportunities.
Stradbroke High offers the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Young Enterprise while Old Buckenham High has a STEM club. Both schools offer international visits and many drama clubs that lead into annual theatre productions.
Both have a variety of music ensembles with nearly a quarter of Stradbroke High students taking extracurricular music lessons. There are also plans in place for all of the Trust schools to come together in the summer for a celebratory festival of music and art.
Year 11 students will also be visiting Wymondham College Sixth Form students, helping prepare them for their GCSEs and a Trust Student Voice is being developed so pupils have a part in shaping its future and sharing ideas.
At the heart of school improvement is the quality of teaching and learning. Old Buckenham has links locally, nationally and internationally including Ghana, developing classroom practice and leadership. It is also at the forefront of innovative digital learning through the Microsoft Academy programme.
“As a Trust, we value the importance of all stages of a child’s life which is why we are committed to providing an all through world class education locally, from nursery to A-levels, it is there for the taking.”
Visit www.se-trust.org for more information.
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