The Oaks Academy

General Information for Applicants from the Headteacher

The Oaks Academy is an 11-16 school, situated in the former grammar school, in a pleasant area of traditional housing in the south western part of Crewe. The school is part of the Learning Partnership Trust and I joined the school as headteacher in January 2021. Most recently I have held roles in the Trust as headteacher in another of our schools and also led the provision of trust teacher training and national leadership training qualifications.

We are committed to making the Oaks the school of choice for our local community. Our examination results last summer demonstrate the rapid rate of success the school is making, with GCSE results now a third of a grade higher than in previous years. We are now routinely oversubscribed, with over 50% more pupils on roll compared with 3 years ago and first choice applications for year 7 up by 25% for September 2024. Attendance is consistently above national and Cheshire East averages, indicating our pupils are happy and want to attend school. Well qualified, caring and committed staff are critical to delivering a balanced and rounded education with a focus on all students achieving their potential. We will support you with a range of professional development experiences through in-house CPD including an internationally recognised teacher qualification in TEEP (Teacher Effective Enhancement Programme), endorsed by the SSAT and the opportunity to be part of the national Effective Formative Assessment programme, endorsed by Dylan Wiliam. There is also a wealth of professional training opportunities available via the trust’s staff development programme. The trust provides a well-established initial teacher training programme, an early career teacher programme, and a range of professional development opportunities. By joining our school, you will also benefit from shared in-service training and links with our partner schools. Being part of The Learning Partnership will mean you would benefit from our networking and close collaboration with departments, faculties and other areas of provision as part of our school.  

We provide for students of all abilities and differing backgrounds, and as part of our team you would gain significant experience of areas beyond your subject discipline. We consider safeguarding our children as an absolute priority and we ensure staff receive regular support and relevant training. We have a strong SEND provision and this academic year we launched our curriculum pathway for more able students, including highly rigorous masterclasses after school. You will be attached to a year team and act as a Form Tutor. We would encourage you to become actively involved in the full life of the school.

We are committed to providing an aspirational, challenging and supportive environment where each student is expected to aim for the highest standard in all aspects of school life and beyond. We work in partnership with students, parents and carers to improve outcomes but we are equally passionate about the personal and social development of students outside of the classroom, and encourage students to take part in a range of extra-curricular programmes and opportunities to develop as lifelong learners.

I would encourage you to visit our website (www.theoaksacademy.co.uk) to get a fuller understanding of life here at The Oaks Academy and if you have any questions that you would like to ask please do not hesitate to contact us.  I very much hope that you want to join our team and I look forward to receiving an application from you.

Peter Kingdom

Headteacher