Delight as Wickhambrook Primary School joins academy trust

Staff and parents at a village primary school have spoken of their delight after it joined the Samuel Ward Academy Trust.

The newly-named Wickhambrook Primary Academy has become the 10th school in West Suffolk to team up with the trust.

Sam Gallagher, acting headteacher, hailed the news as an ‘exciting time’ for the school.

Mr Gallagher said: “This is right time to join such a forward-looking multi-academy trust that is growing in size and capability.

“As a partner, Wickhambrook Primary Academy will play its part in forming the delivery of high quality education for all the pupils and students in our group.

“There will be many benefits along the way for pupils to experience the wider opportunities afforded by the Samuel Ward Academy Trust.

“For staff, there is the opportunity for improved professional development in sharing best practice in our classrooms. The potential is there and the future is bright as we work together for the benefit of our young people.”

Meanwhile, Laureate Primary Academy in Newmarket has also joined the trust.

Jason Green, chair of governors at Wickhambrook and a parent at the school, said: “After several years working collaboratively with the Samuel Ward Academy Trust, the governing body and staff identified a like-minded way of thinking, something which is reflected in our core values with the children firmly at their heart. In this economic environment when resources are tight it is difficult for a smaller school to have the support and challenge it might like. We believe that working with the trust offers this and indeed we have been delighted with the support so far.

“We hope and expect, with our excellent team and supportive school parents, to be a flagship school within this excellent trust.”