Welcome
I’m Sally-Jo Wilkinson, Headteacher at Windsor Olympus Academy. We’re excited to have recently welcomed our second cohort of Year 7 students, continuing the growth and success of our Academy.
Situated in the heart of the Winson Green community, and as part of Windsor Academy Trust, Windsor Olympus Academy is quickly becoming a preferred choice for secondary education.
At Windsor Olympus Academy, we focus on unlocking both the academic and personal potential of every student. We believe in a holistic approach to education, investing in the emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of each child. Our enrichment programmes play a key role in nurturing personal potential, ensuring students have diverse opportunities to discover and develop their strengths.
We are immensely proud of our team of educators, who are committed to fostering curiosity, resilience, and a love for learning. With state-of-the-art facilities and a warm, inclusive atmosphere, we offer an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from our families reflects the strong relationships we’ve built within our community. We remain dedicated to maintaining and enriching these connections, ensuring that everyone feels valued, supported, and heard.
Our mantra, “Thriving, together,” embodies our belief in the limitless potential of every child. Through collaboration and a shared commitment, we create a space where students can flourish, both in their academic pursuits and personal development.
Within this prospectus, you’ll discover more about our Academy and what it means to be part of the Windsor Academy Trust family. Choosing a school is a significant decision, and we hope you’ll see Windsor Olympus Academy as a place where your child’s dreams are nurtured, and their future is built.
We look forward to welcoming your family in September 2025.
Warm regards,
Sally-Jo Wilkinson Headteacher, Windsor Olympus Academy
About Windsor Olympus Academy
Where is the school?
Windsor Olympus Academy is located in Winson Green, just a few minutes’ walk from Winson Green Outer Circle tram stop.
It is easy to get to from Winson Green, Smethwick, Handsworth, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham and West Bromwich. You can view a map on page 21.
When did the school open?
Windsor Olympus Academy opened for it’s first students in September 2023. We were heavily oversubscribed and have a full year group of amazing students.
Who can apply?
Anyone who has a child starting Year 7 in September 2025 can apply. You can find details on how to apply on page 23.
What to expect
Brilliant facilities
Students will learn in brilliant facilities, including dance and music studios, science labs, design workshops and sports facilities. View these facilities and take a tour of our school on page 11.
Inspiring learning
Our teaching and learning inspires and engages students, helping them thrive in learning and life. Learn about our curriculum and approach on page 9.
Free digital devices for students
All students will be provided with their own iPad to power up their learning and develop the digital skills they need to succeed.
A welcoming and inclusive school
Helping Students Thrive from Day One
Transitioning to secondary school is a significant milestone. At Windsor Olympus Academy, we’ve proudly welcomed our second cohort of Year 7 students, and we’re committed to ensuring every new student feels equally welcomed and prepared. Here’s how we support this crucial transition for our September 2024 enrollees.
Comprehensive Transition Programme – Summer 2025:
• Visit Before You Join: Before the term begins, your child will have the opportunity to explore our school. This visit aims to familiarise them with our premises, engage in sample lessons, and most importantly, bond with their future classmates.
• Meet the Team: Parents, you’re not left out! Join us to meet the headteacher, our leadership team, and learn about our ethos, routines, and what makes Windsor Olympus special.
Once
You’re Here:
From the first day, your child will be embraced by our welcoming community. With a strong emphasis on pastoral care, we prioritise getting to know each student individually. By building solid relationships with families, we collaboratively ensure that every student gets the tailored support they need to excel.
EmpowerED Digital Learning:
A standout feature of our Academy is our Empowered Digital Learning Approach. Every student receives an iPad, transforming the way we teach and students learn, making learning interactive, and easily accessible.
House System:
Joining one of our three houses, students enjoy various activities and inter-house competitions. These events not only boost their confidence but also inject a healthy dose of fun into their school life.
Starting secondary school can feel overwhelming, but with our structured transition approach and the vibrant community at Windsor Olympus Academy, your child will feel right at home, set for success, and empowered for the digital age.
Part of the Windsor Academy Trust Family
At Windsor Academy Trust, we take pride in our vibrant community of 15 schools, where we are dedicated to more than just academic excellence. As part of the WAT Family, our 10,000 students and 1,300 staff members are engaged in a shared journey towards unlocking the full potential of every learner.
In our secondary schools, we celebrate our prowess in critical academic areas like the ‘Use of English’, where our students consistently demonstrate superior language and communication skills. Beyond the classroom, our rich array of extracurricular activities plays a crucial role in nurturing diverse talents,
enabling students to explore their interests and develop new skills in a supportive and dynamic environment.
As a part of the WAT Family, every student benefits from an education that holistically addresses their academic, social, and personal development. We believe in empowering our students to excel in their pursuits and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Our commitment to this holistic approach is evident in how we enable each student to thrive, blending rigorous academic standards with a wide spectrum of extracurricular opportunities to unlock each individual’s academic and personal potential.
Joining a secondary academy within Windsor Academy Trust means becoming part of a family that values each student’s journey towards academic achievement and personal growth. Together, we unlock potential and inspire futures.
Dawn Haywood CEO, Windsor Academy Trust
We are incredibly proud to be part of the Windsor Academy Trust family.
Inspiring teaching and learning
We want all students to be inspired and excited to attend school and generate a love of learning that stays with them throughout their life. With this in mind, our teaching and learning engages, enthuses, and inspires students in every lesson, every day.
Our culture of high aspirations alongside great teaching challenges and supports each student to develop and achieve their potential.
Our curriculum encourages students to aspire to unlock their academic and personal potential. It provides them with the knowledge, character virtues and learning skills required to thrive in learning and life. It is built upon research and powered up by digital technology. This empowers students and provides them with the skills they need to progress to further education and future careers.
Importantly, our curriculum develops more than just academic potential. It also develops personal potential, allowing students to follow their passions, be creative and build character to thrive in a globalised world.
Developing great learners and great people
We develop both academic and personal potential, enabling students to become great learners and great people.
Powered by digital technology
Our curriculum provides students with the essential digital skills they need for their future.
Helping your child achieve their potential
Helping children achieve their potential drives everything that we do.
We want our students to have a love and passion for learning, to aspire and become all and more than they ever thought they could be. This means that we focus on much more than academic success.
Our ASPIRE mountain, shown below, is key to achieving this. It helps students develop the knowledge, learner skills and character virtues to reach the summit and unlock their academic and personal potential.
We develop both academic and personal potential, helping students become great learners and great people who thrive and make a difference in the world.
Brilliant facilities
Facilities Crafted for Growth and Excellence
Ensuring children have access to the right environment and facilities is paramount for their growth and achievement. Our school is a reflection of this ethos. Every aspect of Windsor Olympus Academy has been meticulously designed to foster an optimal learning environment, helping every student to flourish.
Whether it’s the rhythm of dance steps in our studios, the harmonies emanating from our music rooms, the inquisitive minds at work in our science labs, or the athletic endeavours in our comprehensive sports and fitness zones, each space has been tailored to amplify the learning experience.
For those moments of respite, students have access to spacious dining areas, relaxing social nooks, and expansive outdoor spaces where they can unwind, chat, or simply enjoy the surroundings.
Here’s a glimpse of some of our standout facilities awaiting your child:
• Dance & Music Studios: Precision, art, and creativity come alive.
• Science Labs: Explore, experiment, and unveil the wonders of the world.
• Sports & Fitness Facilities: Train, compete, and promote a healthy lifestyle.
• Dining, Social & Outdoor Spaces: A haven for relaxation, camaraderie, and recreation.
For a comprehensive insight into the Windsor Olympus Academy experience, we invite you to view our video walkthrough, showcasing our dynamic, state-of-the-art campus. Witness firsthand the spaces where memories will be forged and potentials unlocked at olympusacademy.org.uk/tour.
3g artificial pitch
Dance and fitness studio Learning resource centre
Science lab
Multi use games area
Dining hall
Sports hall
Sport and performing arts
Sport & Performing Arts: Central to Windsor Olympus Academy
At Windsor Olympus Academy, sport and performing arts are not simply activities on the sidelines; they’re at the heart of our ethos and daily routines.
Embedded in Education:
Through our core curriculum, expansive extracurricular programme, and collaborations with our family of schools, students immerse themselves in both sport and performing arts. This is not merely about athletic or artistic skill, but a comprehensive understanding of maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle, alongside acquiring key life skills.
State-of-the-art Facilities & Expert Guidance:
With the support of specialist teachers and coaches, our students develop their talents in top-tier facilities, encompassing our dance studio, 3G artificial pitch, and cutting-edge fitness suite. Such environments not only cultivate talent but inspire a drive to excel.
Sports Aptitude Scholarship:
For pupils showcasing a significant talent in sport and physical activity, our Sports Aptitude Scholarship awaits. Those awarded benefit from an enriched sporting programme, varied coaching, and bespoke mentoring, tailored to
elevate their athletic prowess. For an in-depth look at the scholarship, visit olympusacademy.org.uk/sports-aptitude.
More Than Physical Endeavours:
Our approach extends beyond physical feats. The curriculum centred around performing arts and physical education stimulates self-expression, fortifies confidence, and moulds future leaders. At Windsor Olympus Academy, we champion the transformative power of sport and arts, guiding every student to realise their full potential.
Building skills for life
Our performing arts and physical education curriculum will build skills for life and help students achieve their potential.
Elite facilities
Our elite facilities will provide students with a professional environment to develop their talent.
Supporting health and wellbeing
‘Connect’ at Windsor Olympus Academy: Fostering Relationships and Providing Holistic Support
At Windsor Olympus Academy, the cornerstone of our pastoral system is our ‘Connect’ initiative. It seamlessly integrates pastoral care, SEND, EAL, and safeguarding, ensuring that students have easy access to mentors and a network of support.
Our academy is built on the foundation of relationships. We’ve crafted an atmosphere where students can share their feelings, thoughts, and worries freely, bolstering their confidence and
resilience. In this nurturing space, they learn to grow without the worry of judgment, focusing instead on selfdiscovery and development.
The ‘Connect’ team is a passionate group of professionals dedicated to the well-being and progress of every student. We recognise the intrinsic link between mental health and academic success, emphasising the importance of nurturing both. Our goal is holistic student development, understanding that academic achievement thrives when students are emotionally and mentally robust.
To ensure that our community receives comprehensive support, our family advocacy services step in with specialised assistance. Whether it’s academic, emotional, or social concerns, we’re here to ensure that no one feels unsupported or overlooked.
When needs extend beyond our remit, we’re proud to have a partnership with the Newbigin Community Hub. Together, we ensure that families connect with a broader array of services, guaranteeing timely and appropriate support.
The ‘Connect’ initiative isn’t just a programme; it’s our commitment to a thriving school community built on understanding, support, and growth. At Windsor Olympus Academy, our ethos is clear: we’re not just educating students, we’re fostering a community destined to thrive together.
Empowering Our Students to Impact the Community and Beyond
At Windsor Olympus Academy, education goes beyond classroom walls. We’re committed to cultivating a spirit of community involvement and global responsibility, ensuring that our students are prepared to leave a lasting positive mark both locally and globally.
Acting as a vibrant hub within the community, our school encourages students to immerse themselves in initiatives that matter. From participating in meaningful community projects, fundraising for worthy causes, to sharing the joy of music and dance with locals, we’re here to enrich the community we’re deeply rooted in.
Beyond just serving the community, our doors are open to it. Local enthusiasts, community groups, and sports clubs are invited to make use of our top-tier facilities, making our school a shared space of growth and collaboration.
Central to our ethos is the importance of sustainability. Our students are not just learners but also champions of eco-friendly initiatives. Through involvement in our eco-club, crafting our school’s green strategy, and collaborating with sustainabilitypromoting organisations, they are at the forefront of creating a brighter future.
The Windsor Olympus Academy’s eco-hub stands testament to this commitment. This outdoor oasis acts as a living classroom where students delve into sustainability practices firsthand. It’s a space where nature is both teacher and classroom, allowing students to reap the known health benefits of outdoor experiences while understanding their role in environmental stewardship.
At its core, Windsor Olympus Academy understands that thriving communities breed thriving schools and students. By fostering a culture of community engagement and global responsibility, we aim to uplift everyone involved – our students, our school, and the entire community.
At the heart of the community
Our school is at the heart of the community and a welcoming place for all.
Facilities for the community
Our school is for the community and local residents, community groups and sports clubs will be able to use our facilities.
Equipping Your Child for the Future Ahead
At Windsor Olympus Academy, we’re dedicated to ensuring that each student is both aware of the myriad opportunities ahead of them and fully equipped to pursue their chosen path. With an ever-evolving world, it’s crucial that our students not only understand their career aspirations but also have the skills and knowledge to realise them.
To this end, our tailored careers programme immerses students in a world of exploration. They’ll dive deep into potential career routes, weigh up further education prospects, and benefit from the wisdom of our impartial career advisors. By connecting theory with practice, we provide students with valuable experiences such as work placements, enterprise challenges, and firsthand insights into further education.
Furthermore, our academy prioritises real-world engagement, hosting careers fairs and inviting industry professionals for insightful talks. These interactions ensure students gain a realistic understanding of various professions and industries.
In today’s digital age, mastering digital skills is paramount. At Windsor Olympus Academy, our forward-thinking digital learning strategy ensures our students are technologically adept and ready for tomorrow. Our state-of-the-art classrooms brim with the latest tech, offering a conducive environment for digital-driven learning. And to amplify
this, every student receives an iPad, seamlessly integrating their learning experience both at school and at home.
As they approach the end of their time with us, we want every student to be confident in the vast array of opportunities available post-school. At Windsor Olympus Academy, we’re committed to guiding each student towards a bright and prosperous future.
Developing digital skills
Our digital learning strategy ensures that students develop the essential digital skills needed for their future.
Experience of work
Students will consider their future careers and have lots of opportunities to engage with employers.
Extraordinary opportunities for students
Change to: Exceptional Opportunities Await at Windsor Olympus Academy
At Windsor Olympus Academy, we firmly believe in the power of broadening horizons beyond the conventional classroom. Here, students are not only provided with top-tier education but are also immersed in a plethora of exceptional opportunities that serve as keys to unlocking their innate potentials.
The hallmark of this is the Windsor Academy Trust Pledge. Under this pledge, each student is promised a bouquet of 12 diverse experiences before their graduation. From embarking on adventurous expeditions to making meaningful contributions to charitable causes, we ensure our students gain a rich tapestry of cultural, educational, and personal growth opportunities.
Our extensive out-of-classroom programme is designed to let students delve deeper into their passions, acquire new skills, and amplify their talents. Whether it’s showcasing their flair in dramatic performances, competing in sporting events, or striving for glory in inter-house challenges, our academy offers myriad avenues for exploration and excellence.
Leadership isn’t just a term at our school; it’s a practice. By collaborating across our family of schools, students get the chance to spearhead initiatives,
participate in the vibrant Student Senate, join the harmonious notes of the Windsor Academy Trust Choir, compete in the Trust Games, and shine in dance festivals.
At Windsor Olympus Academy, every day holds the promise of something exceptional. Here, we’re not just nurturing academic prowess but are moulding well-rounded individuals ready to make their mark in the world.
Learning beyond the classroom
Students can take part in a huge range of extracurricular activities allowing them to follow their passions and develop new skills.
The WAT Pledge
All students will achieve 12 experiences and accomplishments before leaving our school that will inspire them and boost their development.
Travelling to our school
Windsor Olympus Academy is easy to get to by foot, bike and public transport.
The school is located within a few minutes’ walk of Winson Green Outer Circle tram stop and served by lots of bus routes. Information on how you can travel to the school from various locations, including routes and travel times, is provided below.
Winson Green
5-10 minutes
5 minutes
2 minutes from Soho Benson Road to Winson Green Outer Circle and then 2 minutes walk
Regular bus services running every 10 minutes
Smethwick
25-30 minutes
10-15 minutes
Regular bus services running every 10 minutes
Birmingham
15-20 minutes
5-15 minutes to Winson Green Outer Circle and then 2 minutes walk
Regular bus services running every 10 minutes
15-20 minutes 10 minutes
4 minutes from Handsworth Booth Street to Winson Green Outer Circle and then 2 minutes walk
Jewellery Quarter
Regular bus services running every 10 minutes 13-15 minutes
4 minutes from Jewellery Quarter to Winson Green Outer Circle and then 2 minutes walk
Regular bus services running every 10 minutes
Handsworth
Bus and Rail Services in BIRMINGHAM
Bus and Rail Services in BIRMINGHAM
Bus
Occasional journey
Limited service
Terminus of bus route
Other bus served road
Railway line and station
Bus route number
Airport - Rail Station link
Occasional journey
Midland Metro and stops
Limited service
Terminus of bus route
Free car parking for rail users, including Blue Badge disabled spaces
Railway line and station
Other car parking
Airport - Rail Station link
Tourist Information Centre
Midland Metro and stops
Place of interest/other location
Free car parking for rail users, including Blue Badge disabled spaces
West Midlands county boundary bus and
Other car parking
Tourist Information Centre
Place of interest/other location
Primary Schools
West Midlands county boundary bus and network tickets
Windsor Olympus Academy
How to apply
www.olympusacademy.org.uk/apply/apply-now/
1. Admissions Process
Our secondary school admissions are facilitated through Sandwell Council. When it’s time, your local authority will reach out with all the details you need to apply for Year 7.
• Online Applications: Most families find this the most convenient method. Follow the instructions given by your council to apply online. you can do so here: olympusacademy.org.uk/apply
• Paper Applications: If you prefer, you can fill in a traditional paper application form provided by your council.
• Offer Notification: In March, the local authority will notify you about your child’s allocated school.
2. Sports Aptitude Places
Sport plays a pivotal role at Windsor Olympus Academy. We earmark 10% of our total places for students showing potential for high achievement in sport. If your child excels in any physical activity or sport, consider applying for a sports aptitude place.
Deadline for Sports Aptitude Application: Friday 13th September 2024
Please note, this application requires your child to undergo an assessment. More about our sporting aptitude places can be found here: www.olympusacademy.org.uk/ apply/sports-aptitude/
3. Key Dates to Remember for September 2025 Admissions
• Start of Applications: 15th July 2024
• Deadline for Sports Aptitude Applications: 13th September 2024
• Final Date for all Applications: 31st October 2024
• Notification of School Allocation: 1st March 2025
• Hearing of Appeals: May/June 2025