Highworth Warneford School visited by council Cabinet member

Key figures in Swindon borough education met students and staff at Highworth Warneford School.

Cllr Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet member for Education at Swindon Borough Council, and Annette Perrington, Director of Education, Inclusion and Skills, also met with Headteacher Andy Steele.

The visit was for discussion of current challenges in education and better transport for students.

Cllr Amaral-Shaikh and Ms Perrington were given a tour of the school, part of the growing Swindon-based The Park Academies Trust (TPAT).

Her guides were three of the school's Year 11 House Captains, Jacob Parkinson, Ruby Pellett and Florence Williams.

They were able to see for themselves the school’s broad and ambitious curriculum being taught, speak to class teachers and students, and see the range of activities that the school offers.

The students were delighted to have the opportunity to take part in the visit.

Student Jacob said: “It was very rewarding to be able to show our visitors around the school and demonstrate how we are supported, as well as discussing how we try to give something back to the Warneford community.”

Ruby said: “It was a really great opportunity to meet Councillor Amaral-Shaikh and Ms Perrington because I am keen to show how good our school is and I want people to know!”

During the visit Cllr Amaral-Shaikh and Ms Perrington also met James Nicholson, the Interim CEO of the Park Academies Trust, to discuss the Council’s support for all schools in Swindon and the Trust’s commitment to providing excellent education and opportunities for all of its students.   

Andy Steele, Headteacher, Highworth Warneford School said: “I was delighted to warmly welcome Cllr Amaral-Shaikh, and Annette Perrington to meet our amazing students and staff.

"Their visit was a great opportunity to show them our ambitious plans for the future and also to highlight the convenient school transport we offer for students, with pick-ups and drop-offs in key locations in Swindon.

"We’re very proud to be part of the range of excellent secondary schools in the area and I’m most grateful to Cllr Shaikh and Ms Perrington for taking the time to see what we offer.”   

James Nicholson, Interim CEO, The Park Academies Trust said: “As a growing Multi Academy Trust we work closely with Swindon Borough Council and the visit by Councillor Amaral-Shaikh and Ms Perrington allowed us to update them on our plans and to highlight the range of schools and catchment areas within the Trust.

"I appreciate the time they have taken to see the school and meet staff and pupils and we look forward to continuing to work with the council on supporting education within Swindon.”  

Cllr Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, said: “There was a tangible sense of pride from the House Captains and other students about how great Highworth Warneford is as a place to learn and grow. I was really impressed with the school’s inclusivity and its strong community ethos.

"Students were brimming with praise for their teachers and the opportunities for music, drama and trips that Highworth Warneford provides.

"Headteacher Andy Steele and his staff team should rightfully be proud of the children and the move of Highworth Warneford into The Park Academies Trust provides further opportunities for the school to continue to grow and improve.”