School History

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Waycroft Primary opened in September 1998 as a 14 class school with Nursery. It was an amalgamation of two well respected schools, Waycroft Infants and Waycroft Junior. These two schools, which originally opened on the same Selden Road site in 1964, had separate entrances, Headteachers and Governing bodies.

The amalgamation, after initial concerns about the size of the new school, went well. The newly appointed Headteacher from Somerset, Simon Rowe, was able to bring a small school culture to a large school environment. Success quickly followed, key features being high quality teaching, single aged classes and high levels of Teaching Assistant support from Reception to Year 6.

Waycroft’s popularity grew and the school quickly became oversubscribed. The school has served the Stockwood community well and pupil numbers have remained, constant, at around 480. Forecasts for the future predict a similar number on roll.

Since amalgamation in 1998 there have been two Ofsted Inspections, in 2001 and 2007. In addition, because of Waycroft’s academic record, HMI and other high profile visitors have come to explore the reasons behind Waycroft’s continued success.

On August 1^st 2011, after thirteen years of excellent SAT results, “outstanding” Ofsted and HMI feedback Waycroft opened as an independent, converter Academy which was formally opened by Michael Eavis (Waycroft’s Patron of the Arts) in September 2011.

Since then Waycroft has gained a Multi Academy Trust License which enables the school to admit other academies to its trust. Currently Wicklea Academy in St Anne’s and Woodlands Academy in Stockwood belong to the Waycroft MAT. Working together has ensured rapid improvements in the schools sponsored by Waycroft and Waycroft itself has benefitted from working with a larger group of professionals and a diverse group of children.

Having Academy status has given Waycroft additional freedoms and Waycroft children enjoy a rich, diverse curriculum which develops a love of life-long learning. The ethos and culture of the school is so strong that a number of current Waycroft staff formerly attended the school as pupils and many former pupils choose to live in Stockwood so their own children can attend Waycroft.

Waycroft never stands still and is continually looking for ways to further improve the provision for all pupils. Details of current developments can be seen in the School Development Plan section of this website. Termly ‘How are we Doing’ meetings allow parents and carers to put forward their views and ask any questions.

If you would like to arrange a visit please contact the Academy Office via phone or email, or pop in and make an appointment for a guided tour.