West Norfolk Academies Trust to support Windmill Federation primary schools

Four West Norfolk primary schools are set to benefit from the support of a multi-academy trust.

Governors at Windmill Primary Federation have announced a collaboration with the West Norfolk Academies Trust, when their executive headteacher Patsy Peres departs at the end of the academic year.

With 414 pupils, the Federation is one of the largest in the region, and comprises Walpole Highway, Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, and West Walton Primary Schools.

The West Norfolk Academies Trust consists of four secondary and seven primary schools, with members including Marshland, St Clement’s, Smithdon, and Springwood High Schools, along with Heacham Infant and Junior Schools, and Snettisham, Gaywood, West Lynn, Walpole Cross Keys, and Clenchwarton Primaries.

From 1 September, the Trust’s Emma Hunt will become acting Executive Headteacher across the three smaller Windmill schools – Tilney St Lawrence, Terrington St John, and Walpole Highway – while Craig Jansen will be acting Executive Headteacher at West Walton, alongside his role as Headteacher at Marshland High School.

“Our collaboration with the Windmill Primary Federation marks the start of an exciting new chapter for its four schools, where the West Norfolk Academies Trust will be on hand to offer support and guidance every step of the way,” said the Trust's CEO Andy Johnson.

“The current heads of school will remain in their positions, and the underlying structure of the Federation will stay the same,” he explained. “Within that framework, the four primaries will continue to work together, but with the added benefit of the support, experience, and expertise provided by the Trust.”

“Parents of pupils will have the opportunity to learn more about the future direction of the Windmill Federation over the coming weeks, when some of the Trust’s key personnel will be visiting the schools to share our inspiring vision for the future,” he added.

Pictures taken by Ian Burt