Swindon LINK
SKILLS TO LAST A LIFETIME
Swindon’s arts and culture sector to take centre stage thanks
By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
An exciting £1.3m two-year programme of arts and cultural activity was launched in Swindon at the County Ground. It comes after the Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund committed £600,000 to the programme, which will establish Swindon as a festival town, unlock new opportunities and spaces for arts and culture, and map out progression pathways for people keen to develop their own creativity.
A new not-for-profit organisation, Swindon Culture Collective CIC, has been established to lead the programme and support the network of arts and cultural organisations previously known as the Magic Swindon Network.
Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council, one of the project’s partners, has appointed Kate Wyatt into a new role of Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, in recognition of the important role it has in the future development of the borough, while also directing the council’s support of the project with strategic input.
Swindon Culture Collective will bring together the town’s rich and vibrant community of cultural organisations and grassroots activity, increasing collaboration and visibility of everything the town has to
offer. It aims to increase arts and cultural participation and inclusion, and celebrate the town’s creative and cultural life.
The programme was developed by a network of over 100 local artists and organisations, including Swindon Borough Council.
Arts Council England’s investment is supported by further pledges of £770,000 in cash and in-kind contributions from local partners New Elements, Prime Theatre, Swindon Music Centre, South Swindon Parish Council, Gel Studios and Network Rail amongst others, and including £312,000 from Swindon Borough Council from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Dr Rod Hebden, Director of Swindon Culture Collective CIC, said: “This bid was the culmination of a huge amount of work by artists and cultural organisations across Swindon, who came together not only to identify the challenges and strengths of the cultural sector in Swindon, but also with the confidence and determination that working together we can achieve much more.
“I want to thank the Arts Council for their support, along with every single person who has been working with us so far and those who will help to get the work done over the next two years.”
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s Area Director for the South West, said: “We're
proud to award £600,000 to Swindon Culture Collective, marking a pivotal moment in the town’s cultural journey. "This investment reflects the shared ambition of local artists, organisations and communities to build an inclusive, creative offer and I’m especially pleased to see the council appoint a new Head of Culture, sure to galvanise the local sector and further establish Swindon as one of the country’s leading centres for innovation and inclusion. It’s thanks to public funding we’re able to support bold, strategic projects like this — helping to transform public spaces, improve wellbeing, develop local talent, and open up accessible opportunities.”
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “This is an exciting day for Swindon. We have a thriving and impressive art community in the town, with
a breadth of talent, artforms and events that never fails to inspire me.
“I’m grateful to our partners in Arts Council England for recognising Swindon’s excellence and committing such significant funding to a truly brilliant programme. The work was and will continue to be shaped by Swindon’s arts community. We hope it will help bring our existing arts offer to new audiences and increase residents’ engagement.
“As a council we are committed to the life-enhancing power of art, and we also recognise the important role the cultural industries can play in regeneration and economic growth. We have therefore appointed our first ever Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, Kate Wyatt, to lead our work on making Swindon a thriving cultural hub. I look forward to working with Kate and our partners as we embark on this important journey.”
News from SBC
Multi-million pound regeneration of town centre gateway ready for opening
A major multi-million pound public transport interchange which has transformed the main gateway into Swindon town centre is almost ready to be opened to the public.
On 15 August, dignitaries, councillors, representatives from bus operators and local businesses were given a tour of Fleming Way ahead of bus services going live at the end of the month.
Funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£25m), the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund (£3m) and Swindon Borough Council (£5m), the £33m investment in Fleming Way has created a brand-new bus interchange to replace the current dilapidated bus station.
Visitors arriving into the town centre by train, bus or bike will now enjoy a vastlyimproved public realm, with 186 trees
and more than 23,000 plants and bushes planted.
There are new bus shelters with more space to allow those in wheelchairs better access, wireless phone charging, digital screens (with Real Time Information for departures) and solar panels.
More than 30 local and regional bus routes will use the new facility, with National Express routes using a new dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.
New segregated cycle lanes have also been added, connecting the town’s two main cycle routes and allowing cyclists to travel to, or through, the town centre.
Once all bus services move to Fleming Way, the current bus station, located just off Manchester Road, will be demolished.
The improvements to the road and wider public realm have already been
Public invited to share feedback on draft Local Plan
Local people are being encouraged to help shape Swindon’s future by providing feedback on Swindon Borough Council’s draft Local Plan during a six-week consultation period running from 1 September to 13 October.
The consultation, known as Regulation 18, marks an important step in reviewing the Local Plan, which sets out the strategic vision for development across the borough over the next 20 years and beyond.
The draft plan outlines how Swindon will meet the Government’s new housing target of 1,205 homes per year, which equates to 24,100 new homes in the borough by 2043. While many of these homes will be delivered through existing strategic sites such as the New Eastern Villages, the plan identifies the need for approximately 7,000 additional new homes. To address this, new site allocations have been proposed, along with a buffer of supplementary locations to ensure flexibility.
Key features of the draft Local Plan include:
referenced by global banking giant Zurich as a reason for why it committed to keeping its headquarters in Swindon, located in Unity Place next to Fleming Way.
It is also why other landowners, such as FI Real Estate Management, have invested £8.5m in its nearby Newbridge Square offices.
• A focus on sustainable housing in Swindon town centre, supporting the council’s Heart of Swindon vision.
• Seeking 30 per cent affordable housing on developments of more than 10 homes.
• Provision for accessible and specialist housing to meet the needs of Swindon’s growing and diverse population.
• Plans for new employment land, infrastructure, and community facilities to support development.
By law, local plans must be reviewed every five years, and public engagement is a vital part of the process before the plan is submitted to an independent Planning Inspector for examination.
Residents, businesses, community groups and other interested stakeholders are invited to review the draft and share their views to help shape Swindon’s future. Full details, including how to attend one of the engagement sessions, can be found on letstalk. swindon.gov.uk/
New accessible bungalows in Walcot welcome first residents
Three new accessible bungalows in Ashley Close, Walcot, have been officially opened as the first residents prepare to move in. The milestone was marked by a visit from Cllr Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, who joined contractors for a walk-through of the development and to hand over keys to one family of new residents, Amber and Claire.
Built on previously unused council-owned land, the three new three-bedroom homes have been purpose-built to support individuals with mobility needs or those requiring live-in care. Designed to promote independence and safety, the properties support the council’s mission to build a fairer, greener and better Swindon through
the development of accessible housing enabling residents to live independently. Each bungalow features level access at entrances, step-free interiors, wider doorways and fully adapted wet rooms. There is also off-road parking and private outdoor spaces. The homes have been equipped with solar panels, air source heat pumps and modern ventilation systems.
The properties in Walcot have been partfunded through a combination of Section 106 developer contributions and Right to Buy receipts and built by local builder, R J Leighfield & Sons Ltd. The homes have been allocated via the council’s housing register, with particular consideration to those families with complex physical health
needs, who require a property that is fully adapted and can meet their needs both now and in the future.
Amber, who will be moving in with Claire and their young children, said: "Our son was diagnosed at 11 months old with a condition called Duchenne muscular dystrophy. It’s a muscle-wasting condition, progressive, with no cure currently.
"He was struggling with the stairs, struggling with getting in and out of the bath, with all aspects of mobility life, and this bungalow has basically taken so much stress away from us, to help our son live the best life he can possibly have, and to help us as parents do that. We are forever grateful to the council for helping us, and most importantly, helping our son."
Cllr Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport, Mayor of Swindon Cllr Fay Howard and South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander cut the ribbon for Fleming Way
Brook Field Primary School
‘Celebrating all our steps to success…’ Parent Tours of Brook Field School September 2026 New Starters
We are a warm, friendly and welcoming school where everything we do is focussed on the needs of the individual child. Our last Ofsted inspection noted: Pupils at Brook Field Primary School are immersed in a culture of aspiration and shared success.
Come and see for yourself at one of our Open Mornings:
Please call 01793 874582 or email office@brookfield.bluekitetrust.org to book your place.
Swindon Trauma Group conference
The 14th annual conference of Swindon Trauma Group will be held on Friday 12 September from 9.15am to 5.30pm.
The venue will be the Kennet Suite at Doubletree by Hilton, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way SN5 8UZ. Swindon Trauma Group is devoted to helping people who have experienced trauma, and full details of its work and the help it can provide can be found at www.swindontraumagroup. org.uk
This year's conference marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War with a number of special presentations.
They include one by Prof Vari M. Drennan MBE, PhD, FQNI, Professor of Health Care and Policy Research at Kingston University, London and Vice Chair, Royal College of Nursing History of Nursing Forum. Prof Drennan will speak about the experiences of nurses awarded the Royal Red Cross, a decoration for exceptional service in military nursing.
Historian and former RAF mental nurse Anthony P Hopkins ARRC, BA (Hons), MA(History) will speak about the experiences of traumatised RAF personnel during the war who were stagmatised with the coercive label of LMF - or 'Lack of Moral Fibre'who refused to fly without a medical reason.
The term was introduced in response to the growing psychiatric casualties from the early operations of Bomber and Coastal Commands.
Another presentaton will examine the myths and realities surrounding the psychological trauma associated with the Blitz. The dress code for the conference is casual but smart, and the cost of attendance is £70 per person or £40 for Swindon Trauma Group members and past presenters at group functions.
Step back in time at STEAM Golden Age Festival
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com
Visitors will have a chance to sing, sway and step into the past as STEAM transforms for a celebration of the 1930s, 40s and 50s.
STEAM’s Golden Age Festival, a new flagship event, takes place on Saturday and Sunday 13 and 14 September from 10am to 5pm.
Set against the museum’s historic backdrop, the festival promises an immersive journey through the glamour, music and innovation of mid-20th century Britain.
Festival highlights will include:
- Live music
- Dance classes and demonstrations including swing and jive
- Sing-along sessions with timeless classics
- Vintage and artisan stalls featuring retro fashion, crafts, and collectables
- Outdoor displays of vintage
and steam-powered vehicles
- Exhibitions of period costume and fashion
- Family-friendly activities, including making a marvellous marble run
- The opportunity to step inside an air raid shelter and discover life on the Home Front Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for
Placemaking and Planning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be transported back to a different era and experience the sights and sounds of mid-20th century Britain."
Tickets are available via the museum's website, www.steammuseum.org.uk, which also has information about other STEAM events and exhibitions.
Swindon artists eager for this year's Swindon Open Studios
By Barrie Hudson barrie@swindonlink.com
Artists across the Swindon area are waiting to give the public the chance to see behind the scenes at the places where they create.
They are taking part in this year's Swindon Open Studios, the successful annual free community art event in which artists welcome visitors.
A spokesperson said: "The fantastic variety this year is illustrated by Ken White and Carmen B Norris.
"Ken is a Swindon-born and bred artist from humble beginnings, who spent four years at Swindon's College of Art and Design.
"Carmen has a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from New Jersey City University, USA.
"That's the beauty of Swindon Open Studios (SOS) – people who love all things colourful and creative can connect with artists and craftspeople from
all walks of life, who have followed very different paths. Like musicians, while some are qualified others are completely self-taught, but all create beautiful work."
Globally-acclaimed and respected Ken White, 83, has participated in every Swindon Open Studios since 2004.
Famous for designing the Scarlet Lady emblem for Richard Branson's Virgin Atlantic Airlines, in the 1970s
he painted many murals around Swindon and in 100 Virgin airport lounges worldwide.
People can visit www. swindonopenstudios.org/ sign-up for a chance to win a £50 voucher to buy artworks, and visit www. swindodonopenstudios.org to plan their visits.
Brochures and guides can be picked up at libraries, cafés and pubs.
Artist Ken White
Annual Swimathon raises thousands for local charities
The Rotary Club of Swindon North and Thamesdown's annual Swimathon at Highworth Recreation Centre in May raised £6,850 for local charities.
The Swimathon gave teams the opportunity to collect sponsorship for a charity of their choice. Half of the sponsorship went to that charity and the other half went to the charity of the rotary club's choice: The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.
Neil Montgomery, the Manager of the Hydrotherapy Pool, came to the August Club meeting to accept a cheque for £3,925. He said: “This is a fantastic amount of money and we are so grateful to everyone. We desperately need to renew the hoists which lift disabled people in and out of the water and this money will be used for that.”
The Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool has provided hydrotherapy for the people of Wiltshire since 1979 at its fully accessible centre in Jefferies Avenue, Swindon. Hydrotherapy can relieve pain, help with rehabilitation and be beneficial for many conditions for all age groups. To use the pool people need to be referred by their GP or health professional.
Another charity to benefit was the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group which received £250.
The Swimathon was free to enter and Amazon vouchers were given out to the three swimmers who collected the most sponsorship.
Every participant was presented with a medal and a certificate. The next Swimathon will be held in May 2026.
Hydrotherapy Pool Manager Neil Montgomery accepting a cheque from Rotary Club President Steve Davison
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Youth-led Swindon mobile cafe in running for prestigious award
Solid Ground Coffee is a finalist in the category of Best Partnership with Youth Justice Service at the 2025 Children and Young People Now Awards.
The youth-led mobile café is run by SMASH Youth Project and Swindon Borough Council’s Youth Justice Service.
More than just great coffee,
the van helps young people gain work skills, confidence and a brighter future. As one participant said: “I feel I have more hope… I’m grateful for the training opportunities.”
People can visit Solid Ground Coffee every Wednesday and Thursday from 10am until 2pm, next to Clarence House in Euclid Street.
Open Events at Swindon Academy
Swindon Academy Secondary “Have a Go” Open Evening Wednesday 24th September 6 - 8pm
“Grammar Stream in Action” - Swindon Academy Secondary Friday 26th September & Thursday 2nd October 9 - 10am
United College Sixth Form (UCSF) Open Evening Wednesday 12th November 6 - 8pm
United College Sixth Form (UCSF) Open Morning
Friday 14th November & Tuesday 2nd December 9 - 11am
Open Morning at Swindon Academy Primary - Alton Close and Beech Avenue Wednesday 8th October & Thursday 13th November 8:459:30am
Nursery, Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form.
The essential guide to School Open Days in the area
Bridlewood Primary School
Tuesday 30 September 9:30am
Thursday 16 October 1:30pm
Friday 14 November 9:30am
Wednesday 26 November 1:30pm
Thursday 4 December 9:30am
Tuesday 6 January 1:30pm
01793 706830
admin@bridlewood.org.uk
www.bridlewoodprimaryschool.org.uk
Primary Schools
Kingfisher
CE Academy
Friday 26 September 9:30am
Thursday 9 October 1pm
Friday 14 November 9:30am
Tuesday 25 November 1pm
Thursday 4 December 9:30am
Wednesday 7 January 4:30pm
Friday 9 January 9:30am
admin@kingfishercofe.co.uk
01793 379521
www.kcea.org.uk
Orchid Vale Primary School
Friday 19 September 11am
Thursday 25 September 4pm
Friday 10 October 9am
Monday 10 November 2pm
Thursday 20 November 4pm
01793 745006
enquiries@orchidvale.org.uk
www.orchidvaleprimaryschoolswindon. co.uk
Swindon Academy - Alton Close Primary and Beech Avenue Primary
Wednesday 8 October 8:45am -9:30am and Thursday 13 November 8:45am – 9:30am
Badbury Park Primary
Friday 3 October 3:30pm
Friday 17 October 3:30pm
Please contact the office to book 01793 299101
Brook Field Primary School
Saturday 27 September 9:30am-10:30am & 11am – Midday, Wednesday 22 October & Wednesday 12
November 9:15am – 10:15am
Please contact the school office to book 01793 874582
Catherine Wayte Primary School
Thursday 9 October 6pm
Please contact the school to book on 01793 727405
Colebrook Infant Academy
Friday 10 October, Thursday 6 November, Wednesday 19 November, Monday 1 December, Tuesday 2
December 9am – 10am
Please contact the office to book 01793 331960
Even Swindon School
Monday 13 October & Monday 17 November
Blue Kite Academy Trust Schools
3:30pm – 4:30pm, Monday 3 November & Monday 1
December 6pm – 7pm
Nursery Open Evening –
Tuesday 3 March 4pm – 6pm
Please contact the school to book 01793 523041
Ferndale Primary School
Saturday 27 September 11am – 1pm, Monday 20
October 4pm – 5pm, Friday 5 December 4:30pm – 6:30pm, Wednesday 7 January 4pm – 5pm
Please contact the office to book 01793 332425
Lethbridge Primary School
Tuesday 30 September, Tuesday 14 October, Monday 10 November, Thursday 20 November, Wednesday 26 November 9:30am – 11am
Please contact the office to book 01793 535033
Lydiard Millicent CE Primary School
Friday 12 & Monday 15
September 2pm, Monday 29
September 10am, Wednesday 5 November 9am, Tuesday 21 October 2pm, Monday 1 December 9:30am
Please contact the school to book 01793 770571
Ridgeway Farm
Tuesday 16 September & Wednesday 24 September 9:30am, Tuesday 7 October 2pm, Thursday 16 October 9am, Wednesday 12 November 2:30pm, Monday 24 November 9:30am, Wednesday 7 January 9am
Please contact the school to book 01793 677471
Ruskin Junior School
Wednesday 15 October 4pm
Please contact the office to book 01793 332107
South Marston CofE School
Friday 26 September & Friday 10 October 9:30am
Please contact the school book 01793 823379
Tadpole Farm CE Primary Academy
Tuesday 9 & Thursday 18
September 9:15am – 10:30am
Please contact the school to book 01793 729740
Wanborough Primary School
Monday 10 November, Tuesday 18 November, Wednesday 26 November 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Please contact the office to
Red Oaks Primary School
Wednesday 17 September 1:30pm
Monday 29 September 9:15am
Thursday 9 October 1:30pm
Tuesday 21 October 9:15am
Monday 10 November 1:30pm
Wednesday 26 November 9:15am
01793 493920
admin@redoaks.org.uk
www.redoaks.org
01793 426900
admin@swindon-academy.org
www.swindon-academy.org
book 01793 790269
William Morris Primary School
Tuesday 30 September 9:45am, Thursday 9 October & Thursday 16 October 9am, Friday 7 November 9:45am, Thursday 13 & 27 November 9am
Please contact the school to book 01793 299022
Please directly contact the following schools to arrange an individual, personalized tour:
Abbeymeads Community Primary School 01793 723239
Covingham Park Primary School 01793 525465
Greenmeadow Primary School 01793 521141
Oaktree Nursery & Primary School 01793 521903
Robert Le Kyng Primary School 01793 523119
St Leonard’s CE Primary Academy 01793 721423
The essential guide to School Open Days in the area
Secondary, Sixth Form and Colleges
Abbey Park School
Open Evenings:
Tuesday 9 September
4.30pm - 7:30pm
Open Mornings:
Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 September 9:15-11.15am
01793 705400
admin@abbeyparkschool.org.uk
www.abbeyparkschool.org.uk
Cirencester Kingshill School
Open Mornings:
Friday 12 September 9:15am-10:30am Wednesday 17 September 9:15am –10:45am
Open Evenings:
Thursday 2 & Friday 17 October 9:15am – 10:30am Thursday 25 September 4pm & 5:30pm
01285 651511 Ext 205
office@cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk
www.cirencesterkingshill.gloucs.sch.uk
Bradon Forest School
Open Evening: Thursday 25 September
5.30pm–8pm including Headteacher talks at 6.15pm and 7.15pm
Open Mornings: Monday 29 September & Friday 3 October 9.15am–10.30am
01793 770570
enquiry@bradonforest.wilts.sch.uk
www.bradonforest.org.uk
Great Western Academy
Open Evening: September 2026 Starters Thursday 18 September 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Sixth Form Thursday 16 October 5.30pm-7.30pm
01793 209700
office@gwacademy.co.uk
www.gwacademy.co.uk
Cirencester College
Open Day: Saturday 18 October 9.30am3.30pm
01285 640994
journeyteam@cirencester.ac.uk
www.cirencester.ac.uk
Highworth Warneford School
Open Evening: Thursday 18 September 5pm-7:30pm
Open Mornings: Wednesday 15 October, Thursday 16 October & Friday 17 October –Please contact Mrs Lewis to book an appointment
01793 762426
lewisl@warnefordschool.org
www.warnefordschool.org
Open Evening: Thursday 18 September 6pm-8pm Headteacher's presentation - 6pm & 7pm
01793 487286
admin@lma.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk
Lawn Manor Academy www.lawnmanor.org
Lydiard Park Academy
Open Evenings: Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 September, 5pm-7.30pm
Open Mornings: Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 October, 9am
01793 874224
ask@lydiardparkacademy.org.uk
www.lydiardparkacademy.org.uk
Nova Hreod Academy
Open Evening: Thursday 18 September -6pm - 8pm
Open Mornings: Tuesday 30 September & Thursday 9 October - 9.15am-11.15am
Catalyst STEM Stream Open Morning Thursday 25 September 5pm to 6pm Tuesday 14 October 9.15am-10.15am
01793 528800
admin@novahreodacademy.org.uk
www.novahreodacademy.org.uk
Great Western Academy students
Lydiard Park Academy student Faith Wheeler with her A-Level results
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Student Tom Wood with Deputy Headteacher Angela Bell
The essential guide to School Open Days in the area
Ridgeway School
Year 6 Open Evening
Thursday 25 September - 4.45pm or 5.45pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
01793 846100
office@ridgewayschool.co.uk
Thursday 16 October - 6pm to 8pm www.ridgewayschool.com
Swindon Academy
Open Evening
Wednesday 24 September, 6pm - 8pm
Grammar Stream
01793 426900
Friday 26 September & Thursday 2 October 9am – 10am www.swindon-academy.org admin@swindon-academy.org
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy
Year 6 Open Evening: Wednesday 17 September 6pm-8pm
Sixth form Open Evening:
Wednesday 15 October 6pm-8pm We are accepting applications for Sixth Form 2026
01793 841900
admin@rwba.ascendlearningtrust.org.uk
www.rwba.org.uk
The Deanery
Open Evening:
Thursday 11 September 5pm - 7pm
Open Mornings:
Wednesday 17 September & Thursday 18 September 9:15am – 11:15am Call the school to book
01793 236611
admin@dcea.org.uk
www.dcea.org.uk
Swindon students succeed with strong A-Level and T-Level results
Students across Swindon were celebrating after A-Level and T-Level results showed another strong performance across the borough. This summer, 829 students completed their A-Level studies in Swindon, with an additional 194 students achieving qualifications through the technical T-Level route.
Swindon students recorded a 95.7 per cent pass rate (grades A* to E), an increase from 95 per cent in 2024. The proportion of students achieving top grades (A* to B) also stood at a solid 40.9 per cent.
Cllr Adorabelle Amaral Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “A-Level and T-level results day is a milestone moment in the lives of our young people and I want to congratulate every student in Swindon who has worked so hard to reach this point.
St Joseph’s Catholic College
Open Evening: Wednesday 24 September 6pm - 8pm
01793 714200
info@stjosephscollege.net
www.stjosephscollege.net
The Parks Academy Trust Sixth Form
Open Evening: Tuesday 11 November 6pm - 7.30pm
01793 874224
ask@theparkacademiestrust.com
www.tpatsixthform.org.uk
"These results reflect years of dedication, not just from students, but from families, teachers and support staff across our schools and colleges. Whether today marks the start of university, an apprenticeship, or something entirely different, Swindon is incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved.”
James Stuart, Swindon Borough Council’s Head of Service (Quality Education) said: “I’d like to congratulate all students who picked up their results today and wish them the best of luck in the future.”
“As we celebrate this year’s A-level and T-level results, I want to extend my thanks to our dedicated teachers and support staff. "Your unwavering commitment, resilience and passion have guided our students through one of the most important stages of their education.”
Top results for Swindon's United College Sixth Form students
Students and staff at Swindon Academy’s United College Sixth Form celebrated after A-Levels and equivalents were awarded across the country.
Having gained a strong set of results, students are now looking forward to taking up places at a range of high-quality destinations, including many Russell Group universities. Among those celebrating were Jakub
Pazderski, with two A*s and an A, Lily Adams, with two A*s and a B, Dylan Meyer, with two A*s and a B, Cameron Paddon, with two As and a B and Leyland Butler, who achieved Distinction*, Distinction and a C. Helen Green, Head of United College Sixth Form, said: “Congratulations to all our students. These results are a culmination of students’ hard work over the past two years."
Royal Wootton Bassett Academy celebrates outstanding results for Sixth Formers
Staff and pupils at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy have spoken of their joy at another year of excellent exam results for Sixth Formers.
Headteacher Anita Ellis said: "We are over the moon with the results for our Year 13 students.
"So many students will now be able to engage in their next steps, whether they are at University, Apprenticeships, employment or taking time to develop other skills.
"Students know these results do not arrive by accident, their parents and our staff have contributed to their success and our students have shown their mettle and their commitment to hard work."
Student Tom Wood said: “I’m pretty happy. Couldn’t have asked for any better results and got into my first choice, Warwick University to study Maths. I got A* in Maths, Further Maths and Electronics."
“To provide exceptional education that transforms children’s lives, builds special memories and strengthens the community, whilst fostering collaboration and innovation ”
OPEN DAYS:
Contact: 01793 299175 Email: admin@bluekitetrust org
2:00pm (Tour with Headteacher and Head Pupils) st Monday 1 December 2025: 9:30am (Tour with Headteacher and SENDCo) st
Tuesday 16 September 2025: 9:30am Wednesday 24 September 2025: 9:30am th
Tuesday 7 October 2025: 2:00pm Thursday 16 October 2025: 9:00am
Wednesday 12 November 2025: 2:30pm | Monday 24 November 2025: 9:30am | Wednesday 7 January 2026: 9:00am
th th To book: https://ridgewayfarmcea org/for-parents/open-days/ Contact: 01793 677471
Friday 26 September 2025: 9:30am th Friday 10 October 2025: 9:30am th
Please contact the school office to book or for an alternative date: 01793 823379
Tuesday 9 September 2025: 9:15am - 10:30am th Thursday 18 September 2025: 9:15am - 10:30am th
There will be separate opportunities for Nursery and Reception parents to visit throughout the year. Please check our website: https://tadpolefarmcepa.co.uk/ Contact: 01793 729740
Tuesday 30 September 2025: 9:45am th Thursday 9 October 2025: 9:00am Thursday 16 October 2025: 9:00am th th Friday 7 November 2025: 9:45am | Thursday 13 November 2025: 9:00am | Thursday 27 November 2025: 9:00am th th th Website: williammorrisprimary.co.uk Contact: 01793 299022
Catherine Wayte
Ferndale Primar y
Community Interest Company - Inspire Enrichment
Nature of work - A wealth of educational sessions, including for children and young people requiring extra help and attention
Founded - 2025
Address - Revolutionary Tuition Centre, Redhouse, SN25 2FW
Telephone - 07436 132679
Website - www.inspire-enrichment.org.uk
By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk
Inspire Enrichment are a new Community Interest Company located in North Swindon.
The organisation's focus is providing young people aged 5-25 years with opportunities to explore skills and personal development through creative enrichment sessions.
Led by Jade Carroll and Ellie Hunt, Inspire Enrichment is passionate about broadening horizons and empowering young people to build confidence in themselves and their creative abilities, and participants can explore a variety of weekday sessions during term time.
These include includes creative opportunities from photography to dance, and from collaborative world building and challenges in Minecraft to textiles.
Sessions are led by experienced practitioners who design activities to inspire creativity, build confidence and promote collaboration.
Ellie Hunt said: "This summer has been an amazing adventure, with multiple workshops a day running over 20 days.
"We've had comics and illustration classes, textiles, media make-up, photography
sessions.
"A popular session has been Minecraft based, where young people follow challenges, exploring their skills and outcomes in a really safe space and making new friends.
"You can collaborate with or check in on the work of other people but we're all here in a supervised situation."
Inspire Enrichment firmly believes that Art and enrichment should be available to all.
Making sessions inclusive and accessible is important to Inspire Enrichment, who are
levels, and learning objectives. Jade is really excited for the Autumn programme: “We’re looking forward to welcoming back young people from the Spring and Summer groups and opening new term time workshops including Creative Minds, Minecraft and Circus skills.”
Providing high ratio, high skill support in a building adapted to be sensorially accessible has allowed these sessions to be accessible to children and young people who can find other groups busy or overwhelming. Inspire
working to ensure that those who are disenfranchised are given fair access.
This includes supporting young people with additional needs, seeing each young person as an individual and tailoring access to sessions to suit different age groups, skill
Enrichment are based at the Revolutionary Tuition Centre in Redhouse and operate alongside and collaborate with Hunt Scholars Tuition Ltd, who provide Alternative Provision and after school and holiday tuition.
Widening its vital work further into the local community
Since launching in January, Inspire Enrichment have been exploring how to develop access to the arts through outreach to schools, local groups, and getting involved in community festivals.
Recently, the organisation has supported Churchward Secondary School with their cabaret, providing them with a stage – kindly donated by Millbrook Primary School - along with technical equipment, and a technician to allow their sharing to be given a professional edge.
Noremarsh Junior School had two practitioners provide Drama and Dance days within their Sports Week, whilst also supporting their Open Day to celebrate the achievements the students have made this academic year. Inspire Enrichment is also supporting a care home in Old Town with some activities for their residents, bringing dance and art to the home’s skill days.
An Inspire Enrichment creative writing session
Circus skills with Aerial Mel from Aim to Fly
Business Profile - Swindon Dental & Implant Clinic
Business Type - Dental Clinic
Founded: 2024
Address - Unit 1a, Lancaster House, Edison Park, Swindon SN3 3RT
Telephone - 01793 384155
By Barrie Hudson barrie@positive-media.co.uk
For Pratik Patel, Practice
Principal at Swindon Dental & Implant Clinic, opening his own clinic was about more than Dentistry, it was about bringing an excellent level of care back home. Born and raised in Swindon, Pratik trained in Cardiff, Bristol and London before returning to combine the very best of modern treatment with the warmth of a local, community-focused practice. “I always wanted to create a space where people feel secure, confident and understood. Somewhere they can genuinely relax and trust the care they receive,” he explains.
That vision runs through every detail. The practice is bright, calming and designed to feel more like a welcoming spa than a clinical environment. Patients are greeted with friendly faces and guided through their visits at a pace that feels unhurried. The team really pride themselves on creating an atmosphere where even nervous patients feel at ease, which shows in patient feedback; one anxious patient recently commented that “it feels like family here”, which for the team, is the ultimate compliment.
The practice is fully private and offers all general dentistry, from routine checkups and hygiene treatments to more advanced restorative procedures. Pratik’s extensive background in Implant Dentistry is also a focus here.
“Implants are an area I’m especially passionate about,” he says. “I see patients with single missing teeth, multiple missing teeth…sometimes even all teeth missing. For them, implants can mean security, confidence and, most
Dental & Implant Clinic, these concerns are met with empathy and reassurance. Options are explained clearly, costs are outlined transparently, and where needed, gentle conscious sedation is offered to ensure complete comfort. From a patient's very first appointment, they’ll experience this excellent level of care. Every new patient appointment lasts a full hour, half of which is dedicated to communication. Using digital photography and scanning technology, the team
importantly, the ability to smile again.”
That focus on restoring confidence runs through everything the team does. For many patients, coming to the dentist isn’t easy. Some have lived with problems for years and feel embarrassed, others are worried about cost, and many simply feel anxious about the treatment itself. At Swindon
shows patients exactly what’s happening with their teeth and gums. This visual approach not only makes treatment easier to understand but also helps patients take ownership of their oral health. “It’s not about telling people what to do,” says Pratik. “It’s about showing them, educating them, and working together on a plan that feels right for them.”
Putting people before procedures
Every team member plays a role in making people feel comfortable. Together, they create an environment where patients feel genuinely cared for and listened to.
Whether it’s offering a calm word of reassurance, taking the time to check in after a procedure, or simply being a friendly face.
For Pratik and the team, dentistry is about more than fixing teeth.
It’s about helping people smile with confidence, chew comfortably, and live life without the worry that dental problems can bring.
“What we do has such a direct impact on people’s lives. How they eat, how they feel in photos, even how they socialise,” he says.
“That’s why it’s so rewarding. Seeing someone leave not just with a better smile, but with their confidence back, is the best part of this job.”
Swindon shines and looks to a safer, more creative future
A column by Swindon Borough Council Leader Cllr Jim Robbins
As the sun sets on pretty good summer in Swindon, it’s safe to say the town centre has had a welcome boost.
Wharf Green was transformed into a vibrant pop-up park throughout August, hosting a series of free family-friendly events that brought joy, creativity, and community spirit to the heart of our town. From circus workshops and sports weekends to outdoor cinema nights and a pop-up planetarium, 'Summer at the Green' was a resounding success. Local businesses, artists and organisations came together to deliver a packed programme that showcased the best of Swindon’s talent and hospitality.
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky summed it up perfectly:
“We’re leading the way in
making the town centre a more appealing and attractive place. Experiences and events are gradually taking over from shopping as the main draw for town centres all over the country.”
And the good news doesn’t stop there.
Swindon has just been awarded a £1.3m boost from Arts Council England to support a two-year programme of arts and cultural activity. This landmark investment, led by the newly formed Swindon Culture Collective CIC, will establish Swindon as a 'festival town,' unlocking new creative spaces and opportunities for
residents to engage with the arts. The programme is backed by over 100 local artists and organisations, and includes £312,000 from Swindon Borough Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Kate Wyatt, the council’s newly appointed Head of Culture, Heritage, Arts and Special Events, will help spearhead this cultural renaissance. Her role reflects the council’s commitment to the life-enhancing power of the arts and their potential to drive regeneration and economic growth. But while we celebrate creativity and community, safety remains a top priority. Swindon Borough Council is exploring the use of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology on speed cameras to identify and deter dangerous driving. These smart systems could be deployed at key hotspots to catch not just speeding but other offences
like illegal turns, mobile phone use and driving in cycle lanes. The initiative is part of a broader effort to make Swindon’s roads safer and more respectful for all users.
As summer fades and we swap sun hats for school bags, it’s clear that Swindon is not just basking in the glow of recent successes - it’s building momentum. From cultural investment and job announcements to community events and public safety, the Labour-led council is delivering on its promise to make Swindon a better place to live, work, and visit.
So yes, the ice creams may be melting and the deckchairs folding away, but the spirit of summer lives on - in every mural painted, every child inspired, and every driver reminded to slow down. Here’s to a town that’s not just surviving the seasons, but thriving through them.
Assessing the plan which will shape Swindon's coming years
A column by borough council
Conservative Group Leader
Cllr Gary Sumner
Swindon Borough Council is launching a public consultation on its Draft Local Plan, a strategic document that will shape the town’s development over the next two decades. The first round of consultation, known as Regulation 18, is scheduled to begin on 1 September and will run for six weeks.
The Local Plan is a statutory requirement under National Planning Policy and must be reviewed every five years. It sets out the vision for how Swindon and the villages will grow.
The new Government has increased Swindon's housing target by 25% so the Local Plan must now identify 1,205 new homes every year for the next 20 years.
There is currently a shortfall of approximately 7,000 homes.
The draft Plan proposes to build flats and houses in five clusters: the Central Area, East Wroughton, Pipers Way, Marlowe Avenue and North Tadpole.
The Central Area is earmarked for higher-density, mixed-use developments, and I am gravely concerned about how viable this idea is. Swindon has affordable house prices compared to surrounding areas.
Drive 20 minutes outside of Swindon and you can add £100,000 to property values.
We are not Oxford or Reading who are able to charge over £250,000 for a two-bed flat. Swindon’s prices have remained steady at around £150,000 for the last 10 years.
This means that there is simply no money to be made by developers when faced with the additional costs of building up. We have seen the recent refusal of 700 flats around the Oasis because there is insufficient parking, no affordable housing and would see the council facing a £5m bill to fund schools instead of the developer paying it. The challenges are substantial and unlikely to succeed.
Beyond housing, the Plan addresses the need for employment land, transport infrastructure, and essential services.
The Conservatives pushed for Panattoni as the prime
site for Swindon at the Honda site, and the local plan now recognises that this was the right approach.
The Conservatives are also advocating further expansion of the GWH or a second hospital site to cope with the growth of the town but this is unfortunately not in the local plan.
I was disappointed to learn of the withdrawal of the Free School Funding for the New Eastern Villages announced under the previous government, which now leaves us short of a 3,000-pupil secondary school and two primary schools.
This could be a major blow to the project and for local residents.
I hope that our council leaders push the DfE to resume the schools programme, otherwise who will now pick up the cost –the council tax payer?
It's time for Swindon to get its Shuffle on!
By Jamie Hill jamie@swindonlink.com
The cream of the crop of Swindon's musical talent are getting ready for this year's Swindon Shuffle, set to take place at venues across the town from Thursday 11 September to Sunday 14 September.
The festival, whose headline sponsor is Swindon-based UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will again be raising money for Prospect Hospice.
All events are free, but music lovers are invited to donate.
Acts lined up include Wild Isles, Interstellar Cat Collective, PET NEEDS, SN Dubstation, Modern Evils, True Strays, Truck, Lucky Number Seven and Joe Kelly & The Royal Pharmacy.
Climaxing the festival will be a Tribute to Black Sheep Apprentice. This comes after the death of lead singer Richard 'Skiddy' Skidmore earlier this year.
Organiser Ed Dyer said: "We're into the 19th year of the Shuffle and the 18th running of it.
"This year is especially poignant after the death of
Skiddy who was such an arden supporter of The Shuffle.
"What we're trying to do is really illustrate to everybody the breadth of musical talent in Swindon. It's all original acts - singer-songwriters, bandstheir own music, and no genre is off limits."
Those genres range from heavy duty guitar bands to folk and all points in between.
Ed added: "We're highlighting the talents that are around in the town, but also another key part of keeping us motivated is to encourage the venues who support the musicians."
The venues are The Beehive, The Castle, The Hop Inn,
LINK CULTURE
The Tuppenny, The Victoria, The Pulpit and the Eastcott Community Centre.
"It's good to give something back to support the work they do all year round for Swindon,"
Ed said.
"And of course, it's raising money for Prospect Hospice."
Ed highlighted the work of the hospice, which must raise the overwhelming bulk of the funds it needs to help people both at its premises in Wroughton and in people's homes throughout
the communities the charity serves.
Only a small fraction of its funding is provided by the Government.
Ed added: "In 2026 things will be really kicking off too as we hold the second ever Swinterfest in the Winter with an expanded arts line-up as well as the very special plans we have for the 20th Shuffle anniversary celebrations."
Full details are at www. swindonshuffle.org.uk
Organiser Ed Dyer
True Strays
Wild Isles Interstellar Cat Collective
Alfie Howlett: Swindon Town FC writer
STFC: Winning but hard to gauge
August is always an amusebouche. A small sample size preparing us for more to come. Town have fitted an array of flavours into their portion, making it difficult to judge the main taste.
On show there’s aspects to like and elements to dislike, but the overriding feeling will be that there’s points on the board.
This time last year Town were still waiting for their first win of the season, and it didn’t look on the horizon. Now, they are winning which is ultimately all you want. But it’s the style in which they’re winning which raises questions.
In most games, Swindon have passages of play which are hugely encouraging. They look, in top gear, that they can blow away opposition defences.
The best moments come from when they’re brave enough to
play one touch passes in the middle of the park, before spraying it wide, allowing angles into the box to create opportunities. I’d like to see this on a consistent basis.
Instead, Town prefer to revert to a long ball tactic to Harry Smith, which has been fruitless in comparison to the above tactic.
When they click, the attack looks as if it can always create and score, which is why they’re winning games.
But when they don’t click, like at Walsall, there’s not enough on show to warrant the belief that they can threaten the opposition.
In my opinion, the uncertainty around what I’m seeing at the moment is only heightened around a shaky defence.
Town’s greatest teams have always appeared solid in August, leaving you with a
sense of a strong partnership developing. A recent example would be Richie Wellens’ defensive unit of Fryers, Conroy, Baudry, and Hunt. I’ll be honest, I don’t think anybody currently knows the best makeup around Will Wright.
That’s probably because in my eyes Will Wright is the only solid centre back at the club. Meaning that around him you’ve got young defenders and holding midfielders playing out of position. In addition, the wing backs are inexperienced and much stronger attacking rather than defending.
As a result they’re getting caught out of position and allowing too many crosses into an already uncertain penalty area.
It’s clear that experienced reinforcements are needed,
because I just can’t see a clean sheet coming.
It's tough to sum Swindon up. I think the attack could go to another level. In particular with the addition of Southampton loanee Princewill Ehibhatiomhan who appears a real force. In the next months Town could inflict some serious damage. And they might need to. Unless there’s a personal addition to the defence which proves transformative, I can’t see it improving.
If you look back at Ian Holloway’s last two promotions, his teams have conceded a high 58 and 62 goals across 46 games. Obviously these figures were outscored and these teams were promoted. So, perhaps it’s time to prepare for matches involving plenty of ups and downs in a season which we’re all hoping ends in an up.
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