Thriving Together
Thriving Together
Welcome from Dawn Haywood CEO
Dawn Haywood welcomes you to the first edition of our Windsor Academy Trust Family magazine, Thriving Together
As we near the end of the school year, I’m delighted to welcome you to the very first edition of our new termly parent magazine, Thriving Together.
This magazine is a celebration of what makes our Windsor Academy Trust family so special – the talent, hard work and care shown by our students, staff and school communities every single day
We’ve created Thriving Together to help you feel connected with the wider family of 15 schools that your child is part of, and to share the stories that reflect our mission: unlocking academic and personal potential for every child
Inside, you’ll see highlights from across our schools – from exciting learning experiences and sporting achievements, to powerful climate action and the ways we’re giving back to our local communities.
Hear from our CEO
We hope it offers you a real sense of pride and belonging as a parent in the Windsor Academy Trust family
Thank you for all you do to support your child and your school
Warm regards,
Dawn Haywood CEO
Introducing the Windsor Academy Trust Family
amily of 15 schools providing excellent ed 2 to 18 driven by alented staff
do is a clear moral emic and personal want every child not feel a strong sense bility in life.
schools that raise uild character and mobility And we’re only to the children ommunities around
How We Do Things
Our work is driven by five shared values that shape the way we act and support one another:
Pride in Excellence
We set high expectations and work hard Respect
We behave with honesty and integrity and foster equality Responsibility
We take personal and collective responsibility Collaboration
We work together for the benefit of all Bold/Innovative
We are future-thinking and shape the future
Building on these values, we’ve developed a strategy that builds upon our first ten years and powers the Windsor Academy Trust family into our second decade
As part of this, we’ve identified five strategic ‘Big Moves’ that are driving school transformation, building staff talent, transforming communities, ensuring our family is an environmental force for good and extending our reach through our system contribution
The success stories, initiatives and updates covered in the rest of this magazine will follow these five Big Moves, shown on the image above, giving you a real flavour of how we’re working hard to achieve them
The Big Moves are powered by five enablers; digital technology, innovation, resource allocation, governance, and marketing and communications.
We’re delighted to have you on this journey with us, as we work hard to unlock the academic and personal potential of all the young people in our care
What is a Multi-Academy rust?
lti-academy trust or school trust is a group of stated schools that work together as one organisation to ve education. MATs are charities with a single moral egal purpose: to advance education for public benefit.
emies are free to attend, follow the national curriculum, spected by Ofsted, and take the same exams as other ls but they are run by a Trust, not the local authority
part of a Trust means schools can share ideas, resources and training, access specialist services, and benefit f lear improvement strategies and support Trusts don’t a profit every decision is focused on students, unities and public benefit
The Benefits to my child of being part of the Windsor Academy Trust
Family
Shared ideas and expertise across schools
Access to exciting family-wide events and competitions
More training and career progression opportunities for staff
Focused support for teaching, leadership and learning
Greater efficiencies and time savings for schools
A clear pathway for improvement for every school
A culture that supports academic and personal potential
A shared commitment to giving back to local communities and to the planet
Did you know? More than half of pupils in England are now educated in academy schools that’s 3.8 million children.
Using Our Funding Wisely
We are a public organisation and we take that responsibility seriously. This year, we launched a formal Windsor Academy Trust Financial Strategy to make sure every pound is spent where it matters most: supporting student outcomes
We’ve committed to a five-year spending plan to ensure our school buildings are safe, healthy and sustainable, and we regularly review how staff time and external expertise is used making sure we stay focused on our strategic goals and use our resources for maximum benefit
Governance That Makes a Difference
Strong governance helps ensure we stay focused, transparent, and accountable. Windsor Academy Trust’s governance structure follows national best practice and is built around:
Members, who act as the guardians of our Trust
A Board of Directors/Trustees, who hold strategic responsibility
Committees, covering key areas like Education, Finance, People and Risk
Local Advisory Bodies, which ensure schools stay rooted in their communities
Over the past year, we’ve strengthened this structure by recruiting highly skilled individuals and appointing a Head of Governance to support quality and impact across the Trust
Big Move One High Performing Schools
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that high-performing schools are places where every student is known, challenged, supported and inspired every single day.
Big Move 1 is about much more than academic outcomes It’s about creating the conditions in which students can truly thrive where they develop powerful knowledge, meaningful skills, strong character and the confidence to pursue their passions.
Our schools are united by a shared approach to excellence Through our School Transformation Model, we focus on what matters most: great teaching, ambitious curriculum, strong culture, and purposeful leadership We tailor support to each school’s context, ensuring that improvement is both sustainable and impactful
We also understand that every student is on their own journey. That’s why our vision for high performance includes both academic success and personal development helping students to leave school not only well-qualified, but ready to lead happy, successful and fulfilling lives
The following stories reflect just some of the ways our schools are delivering on that vision.
Ofsted Excellence Across Windsor Academy Trust
This year, we’ve been proud to celebrate a number of strong Ofsted outcomes that reflect the progress and ambition driving our schools and the strength of the Windsor Academy Trust family as a whole
Every WAT school is now rated Good or better by Ofsted a major milestone that reflects the impact of our shared vision, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our communities It also speaks to the power of our School Transformation Model, which provides a clear, structured improvement journey tailored to each school’s context
At Windsor High School and Sixth Form, inspectors awarded the school the highest possible judgement ‘Outstanding’ in all areas The report praised the school’s “exemplary behaviour,” “strong sense of belonging,” and the “relentless ambition” of leaders to ensure every child succeeds It marked a significant leap from its 2022 “Good and Improving” inspection and stands as a beacon of excellence across the Trust
More recently, two of our primary schools secured further success:
In March 2025, Tenterfields Primary Academy was graded ‘Good’, with inspectors highlighting the school’s warm and nurturing atmosphere, strong leadership and unwavering focus on student wellbeing and achievement
In April 2025, Colley Lane Primary Academy also retained its ‘Good’ rating, with inspectors noting the school’s high expectations, rich curriculum and the strong sense of pride and belonging among students
Earlier in the academic year, Greenways Primary Academy, which only joined Windsor Academy Trust in 2023, received glowing feedback from its inspection including praise for staff support for all learners, a thriving reading culture, and pupils who “love coming to school and feel cared for and challenged.”
These outcomes are more than just ratings they reflect the everyday reality in our schools: talented, dedicated staff, engaged learners, and a culture of high expectations and high support.
Through collaboration, consistency, and a clear moral purpose, the Windsor Academy Trust family continues to deliver excellence and unlock academic potential for every child
How Our Schools Are Growing –Together
This graphic opposite shows how schools across the Windsor Academy Trust family have improved since joining the Trust.
The first column shows how each school was rated by Ofsted before joining Windsor Academy Trust. The second column shows their most recent Ofsted judgement.
We’re proud that all schools in our family are now rated Good or better by Ofsted, with some recognised for having Outstanding features and others continuing to improve
These improvements reflect the hard work of our staff, the determination of our students, and the strength of working together as one Trust
Every school’s journey is different – but together, we’re making sure that every child receives a great education and the chance to thrive
Technology That Transforms Learning
Digital technology is transforming how students learn, how teachers teach, and how we prepare young people for an ever-changing world At Windsor Academy Trust, we’ve embraced that opportunity through our EmpowerED strategy – a Trust-wide commitment to purposeful, impactful use of digital tools in every classroom
Across our family of schools, students begin using iPads as early as Year 2, and continue through to Post-16, where digital skills become essential for study, creativity and career readiness Every school in our Trust uses iPads not just to enhance learning but to empower students to take ownership of their learning journey
Our strategy goes far beyond handing out devices. Teachers receive regular, high-quality training to ensure technology is used to deepen understanding, personalise learning, and promote collaboration. Students use tools like Keynote and Clips to present ideas, reflect on feedback, and express their creativity – building confidence and independence along the way
While Windsor High School and Sixth Form and Goldsmith Primary Academy have been named Apple Distinguished Schools, the global recognition doesn’t stop there This year, our entire Trust was selected as the focus of a global Apple Education case study, showcasing how all Windsor Academy Trust schools are using iPads to improve teaching and learning It’s a reflection of the consistent, shared approach across our schools – and the outcomes it drives
We were proud to see that work celebrated at BETT 2025, Europe’s leading education technology event BETT brings together educators, innovators and policymakers from around the world, and seeing Windsor Academy Trust featured on the international stage was a powerful moment for our students, staff and school communities
EmpowerED isn’t about devices – it’s about giving every student the tools, confidence and voice they need to thrive. And across the Windsor Academy Trust family, that mission is coming to life every day.
“As teachers, we’re confident and competent using technology in the classroom –and that’s transformational for students.”
Scott Wells, Year 6 Teacher, Goldsmith
Primary Academy
Bringing the Windsor Academy Trust Family Together
Unlocking Personal Potential Through Shared Experiences
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that helping students unlock their personal potential is just as important as academic achievement. That means creating opportunities for students to express themselves, explore new passions, connect with others, and grow in confidence.
One of the great advantages of being part of a family of schools like Windsor Academy Trust is the chance for students to come together through shared experiences whether that’s performing on stage, competing in sport, or collaborating on creative projects These moments help shape character, build friendships, and reveal talents students may not have discovered yet
Here are just a few highlights from the past year.
Windsor Academy Trust Primary Games 2024
In September, the Windsor Academy Trust Primary Games brought together students from all seven Windsor Academy Trust primary schools Goldsmith, Rivers, Manor Way, Tenterfields, Colley Lane, Milton and Greenways to compete in a range of Olympic-style events.
It was a day of fierce but friendly competition, with students cheering each other on, trying new sports, and celebrating the power of teamwork.
Greenways Primary Academy took the overall win, but every student left with pride and memories to last
Aspire Dance Days
This year, we’ve held four Aspire Dance Days, each bringing together over 70 students from across the Windsor Academy Trust family Hosted at Windsor Olympus Academy, these inspiring events have given students in Key Stage 2 and 3 the chance to take part in professional workshops led by dance artists
The very first event was a boys-only day, designed to challenge stereotypes, build confidence and create space for selfexpression. The response was overwhelmingly positive and you can see the highlights in the video below.
As well as developing their technique and creativity, students explored key Windsor Academy Trust values like respect, responsibility and innovation For many, it was their first time dancing in a group and a powerful moment of personal growth, confidence and joy
Click to watch the amazing highlights!
WAT an Orchestra! A Celebration of Student Talent and Collaboration
Earlier this year, Mr Cotterill, Windsor Academy Trust’s Head of Performance, launched a bold new project called WAT an Orchestra! a virtual orchestra experience designed to bring students from across our schools together in one shared musical performance
Inspired by Jeff Wayne’s Eve of the War, Mr Cotterill created an original arrangement and recorded a full professional version himself, performing each part as a guide for students These recordings formed the backbone of the project, giving students a clear vision of how their contributions would fit into a larger, collaborative performance
He then opened the opportunity to all students across the WAT family with an interest or ability in any musical instrument Through Google Classroom, students were given access to instrumental scores, bespoke tutorial videos recorded by Mr Cotterill (covering bass, guitar, and keyboard), and backing tracks to practise with at home Music teachers and peripatetic tutors across WAT supported rehearsals in schools, working with individual students and small ensembles. In a further creative twist, drama teachers were also invited to nominate students with a talent for voice acting to perform the iconic Richard Burton-style narration that opens the track blending dramatic arts with musical performance.
Mr Cotterill then hit the road, visiting schools to professionally record student performances and video their contributions. The result? Over 200 separate audio tracks were edited, layered and mixed with students often recording multiple parts to replicate the depth of a full orchestra These were combined with filmed footage to produce a moving video montage, showcasing the talent, dedication and teamwork of our students across the WAT family
The final result is an extraordinary celebration of creativity, ambition and collaboration WAT an Orchestra! not only highlights the musical talent across our schools, but it also reflects what can be achieved when we work together to unlock the academic and personal potential of our students
Click to watch the amazing performance!!
Belonging Through Art: Seven Schools, One Powerful Message
At the start of the school year, students from all seven Windsor Academy Trust primary schools collaborated on a powerful art project exploring the theme of belonging.
Each school contributed individual pieces, with children across different year groups working together to express their own identities, values and sense of community. The result is a stunning, student-created installation that now lives at the Windsor Academy Trust Great Wyrley office a visual celebration of everything it means to belong to the Windsor Academy Trust family
From idea to exhibition, the project gave students the chance to explore their creativity and reflect on what it means to feel seen, safe and supported at school The final display brings together colour, symbolism and student voice and stands as a reminder of the importance of unity, diversity and togetherness across our family of schools
WAT a Talent Camp:
Creativity, Confidence and Community at Ingestre Hall
In January, 70 talented students from seven Windsor Academy Trust secondary schools took part in something truly special a three-day, two-night residential arts camp at Ingestre Hall, one of the UK’s leading centres for creative learning. Chosen for their outstanding ability and passion in art, dance, drama and music, the students came together for an immersive creative experience designed to stretch their talents, build confidence, and forge new friendships.
Over the course of the camp, students took part in expert-led workshops that challenged them to experiment, collaborate and refine their craft Whether creating choreography, composing music, performing in scenes or crafting original artwork, every student had the chance to shine
The team at Ingestre Hall were full of praise: “What an amazing cohort of students you brought! All of the tutors were impressed by how focused, supportive of each other, and well-mannered they were both in and out of workshop sessions ”
But for many, the experience went far beyond the creative work
“For me, this is the highlight of the school year so far,” said Mr Cotterill, Windsor Academy Trust Head of Performance “It’s not just about showcasing outstanding work, but the incredible sense of family among the students Despite coming from different schools, they completely supported each other throughout The atmosphere was truly special ”
Mrs McLaughlin, Windsor Academy Trust Head of Dance, echoed the sentiment: “They arrived as students from seven schools, but left as one family The level of talent was extraordinary, and the excitement around the final performances was amazing to see ”
The camp concluded with a showcase celebration, where students proudly presented their work to peers and tutors a powerful moment of recognition, pride and joy
Watch the video highlights to see our students in action and catch a glimpse of the creativity, collaboration and confidence that made this camp so unforgettable
Big Move Two Building Staff Talent
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that the single biggest lever for improving outcomes in our schools is simple: having the very best teachers in front of students, every day
That’s why we invest so much in developing, supporting and celebrating the 1,200 talented individuals who work across our family of schools Whether in the classroom or as part of our professional services teams, every member of staff plays a vital role in unlocking academic and personal potential.
Our approach to staff development is nationally recognised. We’re proud to be an Associate College of the National Institute of Teaching, chosen for our in-house expertise and our reputation for excellence across the West Midlands. Our pioneering work has also been featured in national education publications as a model of what great professional development looks like
We listen carefully to staff feedback, using insights from surveys to shape our wellbeing offer and professional learning priorities It’s all part of our mission to be an employer of choice, where colleagues feel valued, inspired, and equipped to make a difference
As one school leader put it:
“There’s no shortcut to excellence – it’s about great teaching, every day
That’s why our biggest investment is in people ”
From Interns to Inspiring Teachers
We don’t just attract great teachers – we grow them Through our partnership with the National Institute of Teaching, we run a high-quality Initial Teacher Training programme across primary and secondary schools
Whether someone’s a university graduate, a career changer, or brand new to teaching, we support them through training, mentoring, and development – from intern to Early Career Teacher, and beyond. It’s how we build a strong pipeline of future teachers, shaped by the Windsor Academy Trust values from the very beginning.
Applications for 2025–26 are now open. If you or someone you know is interested in training to teach, please get in touch at:
teachertraining@windsoracademytrust.org.uk
The Windsor Academy Trust Talent Institute is our home for professional learning – and the driving force behind the outstanding teaching and leadership you’ll find in every WAT school.
Through coaching, collaborative learning, national programmes, and bespoke support, we ensure that every colleague has the opportunity to develop their practice and grow their impact From teaching assistants to senior leaders, our goal is the same: to create a culture where people thrive
The Windsor Academy Trust Talent Institute also shares best practice with schools beyond our family, supporting the wider education community and helping raise standards across the system
You can now follow the Windsor Academy Trust Talent Institute on:
Big Move Three: Civic Leadership
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that schools are more than places of learning they are anchors in their communities
Big Move 3 is about delivering education for the greater public good It’s about making sure that the impact of our schools reaches beyond the school gates supporting families, strengthening local partnerships, and helping every student understand the power they have to make a difference in the world around them
Our approach to civic leadership is intentional and embedded. Every Windsor Academy Trust school includes civic priorities in their improvement plans, reflecting the needs and opportunities in their local area. We work alongside NHS trusts, local authorities, community organisations and businesses to tackle the challenges that matter from health and wellbeing to youth opportunity and climate action
At the heart of this work is a belief in social justice, equity and empowerment We want our students to feel a sense of belonging in their communities and a sense of responsibility to lead and serve In this section, you’ll see how we’re turning that vision into reality through partnerships, purpose and people
Working Together for Young People’s Health
This year, leaders from Windsor Academy Trust, seven NHS Trusts, Confederation of School Trusts, NHS Confederation and NHS Employers and several other school trusts came together for a groundbreaking workshop to explore how education and health services can better support young people and their communities
The event was hosted at the Windsor Academy Trust Halesowen office by Dawn Haywood, CEO of Windsor Academy Trust, and Claire Gething, Executive Leader. The aim was simple but powerful: to build stronger partnerships across sectors that can improve the lives of children both inside and outside the school gates.
The workshop focused on three key priorities:
Preventing health issues in young people
Bringing community health services onto school sites
Inspiring young people to consider careers in health, clinical and non-clinical
Attendees explored ideas including the rollout of asthmafriendly school environments, the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams, and early careers pilots designed to introduce students to NHS and care sector pathways
This event is part of Windsor Academy Trust’s work on place-based partnerships bringing schools, trusts, and civic organisations together to tackle shared challenges and build more equitable futures
As Dawn Haywood shared on the day: “When schools and health services come together with shared purpose, we have the power to change lives and communities for the better.”
By convening partners from across sectors, Windsor Academy Trust is helping to lead the way in creating integrated, meaningful civic impact for the young people we all serve
WAT-a-Run 2025
What a Weekend!
With glorious weather, over 90 runners, and powerful support from across our schools and communities, this year’s event has been our biggest and most successful yet and a powerful way to close Mental Health Awareness Week
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve already raised over £40,000 for our Bed & Breakfast campaign, helping ensure more children across the WAT Family have access to a safe place to sleep and a nutritious breakfast to start the day. This campaign is already making a real difference and we’re pushing to reach our £50,000 target
The two-day route covered over 85km, visiting all 15 schools across the Trust From the emotional send-offs to the carnival atmosphere at Clayton Hall, to the Family Fun Run finale at Great Wyrley with over 500 people in attendance every step was full of energy, purpose and pride.
This was more than just a run It was a celebration of what we can achieve when we come together as one Trust, one family, for one purpose
Hit play!
The two-day route saw runners cover more than 80km, visiting all 15 schools in the Trust From the emotional send-offs to the joyful finishes, every leg was filled with energy, teamwork, and purpose The Sunday Fun Run added even more excitement, with hundreds joining in to celebrate and raise vital funds
We’re so proud of everyone who ran, supported, donated, or cheered from the sidelines. Thank you for being part of something truly special.
�� Still want to donate? You can do so here:
Together, we’re making a real difference.
Building Stronger Communities: Plans for Windsor Academy Trust Community Hubs
As part of our ongoing commitment to civic leadership, Windsor Academy Trust is exploring plans to establish dedicated community hubs in two of our Learning Communities Walsall and South Staffordshire
These hubs represent the first steps in our wider ambition to create community centres in every Learning Community, and eventually in every Windsor Academy Trust school The goal is simple but powerful: to bring people together, strengthen local connections, and support families and students beyond the school gates
We’ve already put in place a delivery model and project teams to begin shaping what these hubs could look like The focus will be on making sure they are tailored to the needs of each local community, offering the right mix of support, services and spaces for connection
Whether it’s access to advice, health and wellbeing support, family learning, or just a safe space to talk, our hubs will be designed in consultation with the communities they serve
If successful, these hubs will play a vital role in enhancing both education and wellbeing fostering a deeper sense of belonging, trust and shared purpose across our school communities
It’s another step forward in our mission to deliver education for the greater public good and to ensure every school sits at the heart of its community
Big Move Four Sustainability
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that education has a vital role to play in shaping a better future not just for our students, but for the planet they’ll inherit
Big Move 4 is about making sustainability part of who we are and what we do From reducing our carbon footprint to embedding climate education in our curriculum, we want every student to understand the importance of caring for the natural world and to feel empowered to lead change in their own communities
Our ambition is bold: to become one of the most sustainable school trusts in the country and achieve net carbon zero by 2030. We’re backing that goal with a clear strategy, practical action, and student-led initiatives that bring sustainability to life in every school. Because this isn’t just about targets it’s about giving young people the knowledge, skills and sense of responsibility to help create a greener, fairer world
WAT COP 2024: Students Leading the Climate Conversation
In October, 130 students from across our schools gathered at Windsor Olympus Academy for our third WAT COP – a student-led climate conference inspired by the United Nations' COP summits.
The event brought together student sustainability leaders for a day of learning, action planning and connection and reaffirmed our commitment to making climate education a lived priority in every school.
Workshops were led by national partners including Let’s Go Zero, Warm Earth, and the Department for Education’s Nature Park team Sessions explored everything from biodiversity and decarbonisation to digital mapping and sustainability strategy Students left with new tools, fresh inspiration, and concrete action plans to take back to their schools and communities
The event was opened by CEO Dawn Haywood, who challenged students to lead on behalf of Windsor Academy Trusts 10,000-strong student body:
“You are the leaders our planet needs. Don’t wait for permission to make a difference – be the change.”
WAT COP3 was led by Chris Berry, Windsor Academy Trusts Director of Operations, who heads our sustainability work across the family Under his leadership, Windsor Academy Trust has made significant progress embedding sustainability into both school operations and the curriculum with a focus on student voice and action
This year’s theme Inspiration, Empowerment and Community captured the spirit of the day With the passion and leadership shown by our students, the future looks brighter, bolder and greener
Operation Switch Off! Students
Leading the Charge to Net Zero
Over the last four years, students and staff across the Windsor Academy Trust family have been playing their part in helping reduce our carbon footprint and the results have been remarkable
Through our Operation Switch Off! campaign, schools across the Trust have been challenged to use only the energy they truly need From switching off lights and screens, to managing central heating systems more efficiently, small changes have led to big impact
Students have been at the heart of this campaign Empowered to lead the charge, they’ve challenged each other and staff! to make sustainable choices and cut down on waste In classrooms, corridors and staffrooms, they're reminding the whole school community that every switch matters.
And the results speak for themselves. In the 2023–24 school year alone, Windsor AcademyTrust achieved:
A 16% reduction in overall energy consumption
A 28% cut in carbon emissions enough to heat over 190 homes for a year
It’s a powerful step forward in our goal to become net carbon zero by 2030 and it shows how much can be achieved when students lead the way
A Greener Future: Our Sustainability Strategy
This year, we published the very first Windsor Academy Trust Sustainability Strategy, setting out our long-term commitment to tackling climate change and becoming one of the most sustainable school trusts in the country
Our strategy is based on global frameworks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the One Planet Living principles It includes clear targets, practical actions, and examples of best practice across our schools from biodiversity and waste reduction to low-carbon design and green education
Each school now creates and maintains its own School Sustainability Action Plan, shaped by leaders, sustainability leads and student ambassadors. These plans promote environmental awareness, reduce each school’s carbon footprint, and develop the green skills our students will need in the future.
Windsor Academy Trusts approach has already gained national attention. The strategy was shared at the Department for Education’s Education Estates Conference in Manchester, and Goldsmith Primary Academy was shortlisted for the DfE Sustainability Award a category that included schools, universities, and national education organisations
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and even more excited for what’s to come
Eco-Schools Success
Well done to Newcastle Academy, the latest WAT school to achieve the prestigious EcoSchools Green Flag Award part of a global programme that recognises schools for outstanding sustainability work and environmental education
Driving Change
We now have Electric Vehicle charging points at 13 of our schools, plus the WAT Central offices with the final two schools having theirs installed in the coming weeks
These are available for use by staff, visitors and (where appropriate) the local community It’s another small step toward a greener future
Big Move Five Expanding the Windsor Academy Trust Family Reach
Big Move 5 is about sharing what works, reaching more students, and shaping a stronger future for the education system
At Windsor Academy Trust, we believe that the best way to serve our students is to grow responsibly, collaborate widely and contribute meaningfully to the wider sector By welcoming new schools into the Windsor Academy Trust family, supporting local partnerships and leading in national conversations, we’re helping to unlock academic and personal potential far beyond the classroom
We’re also proud to influence the wider system From our CEO’s work with the Confederation of School Trusts and local partnership boards, to our leadership of national learning events, we are committed to helping define what great education looks like not just for Windsor Academy Trust , but for the wider education community.
The following stories show how this Big Move is coming to life
Celebrating One Year in the Windsor Academy Trust Family
This academic year, we celebrated a series of exciting milestones as more schools marked their first full year as part of Windsor Academy Trust
In September 2023, Greenways Primary Academy and Milton Primary Academy officially joined the Windsor Academy Trust family.
In January 2024, Newcastle Academy, Clayton Hall Academy and Sir Thomas Boughey Academy joined, forming a new Windsor Academy Trust learning community in North Staffordshire.
At the same time, Windsor Olympus Academy celebrated its first anniversary as a brand-new free school.
These additions reflect a shared commitment to values, collaboration and excellence When a school joins Windsor Academy Trust, it’s not just a change of name – it’s access to new opportunities, shared expertise, and the chance to be part of something bigger
Students benefit from wider enrichment, cross-school events, and high-quality teaching Staff gain access to exceptional training, professional development and leadership support And communities feel the impact of stronger partnerships and civic purpose
As Sally-Jo Wilkinson, Headteacher of Windsor Olympus, said when the school opened: “Windsor Olympus Academy is not just a school; it’s a place where young people can thrive Every student is a unique star in the making – and we’re here to help them shine brightly ”
Windsor Olympus is also home to Windsor Academy Trusts first community hub, providing a welcoming space for families and residents in Winson Green It’s a powerful example of Big Move 5 in action combining growth, inclusion and civic impact
Celebrating a Journey of Collaboration and Impact Across Sandwell and Walsall
In March Windsor Academy Trust hosted a powerful celebration event that marked the culmination of a major education project in Sandwell and Walsall a project designed to raise standards, support teachers, and ultimately improve outcomes for children across the region
Held at Walsall Football Club, the event brought together teachers, leaders and education experts from more than 40 schools, reflecting on what’s been achieved through the Priority Education Investment Area (PEIA) programme a national initiative funded by the Department for Education
Over the past year, Windsor Academy Trust has proudly led this work on behalf of the DfE and local education boards, delivering professional development that’s helped teachers strengthen key areas of practice like lesson design, participation and retrieval strategies
Working in partnership with global experts from Teach Like a Champion, and alongside schools serving some of the region’s most disadvantaged communities, the project has seen powerful impact
At the celebration event, delegates shared stories of change from their schools from improvements in classroom behaviour to growing student confidence and engagement. Doug Lemov, author and founder of Teach Like a Champion, returned to deliver the final training sessions, offering more practical tools to help great teaching thrive
The atmosphere on the day was full of pride and purpose
As Dawn Haywood, CEO of Windsor Academy Trust, reminded everyone in her closing message:
“This is about more than professional development It’s about a shared mission to raise aspirations and unlock potential for every child, across every school ”
Windsor Academy Trusts leadership of the programme was recently spotlighted in a national TES article as an example of trust-led improvement and civic collaboration showing what’s possible when schools come together for the greater good
This is Big Move 5 in action: not just growing the Windsor Academy Trust family, but leading with generosity, purpose and a commitment to helping all children thrive
