Wootton Upper School Explained

Wootton Upper School
Coordinates:52.0953°N -0.5409°W
Motto:The pursuit of excellence
Established:1975
Type:Academy
Head Label:Executive Principal
Head:Michael Gleeson
Address:Hall End Road, Wootton
City:Bedford
County:Bedfordshire
Country:England
Postcode:MK43 9HT
Ofsted:Good
Dfeno:822/5406
Urn:137522
Lower Age:13
Upper Age:16 (18 At Kimberley College)
Colours: Blue
Website:Wootton Upper School

Wootton Upper School is an academy school located on Hall End Road, in Wootton, England. It teaches years 9–11 in compulsory education and years 12–13 in compulsory education at Kimberley College. Approximately 75% of students previously in compulsory education stay on to the sixth form college. The school specialises in performing arts, such as music, drama and dance.[1]

History

Wootton Upper School started in 1975. As the school buildings were not quite ready, it shared a site with Stewartby Middle School. The first intake was 213 students and they moved onto the Wootton site in November, with 16 teaching staff.

The first headmaster was Stanley Clews, with Deputy Head John Bonerton. The school was complete by 1978. Clews retired in 1987. Catherine Mackenzie took over until 1999, when Anthony Withell became head. In 2014 Michael Gleeson became principal of the school.

The Upper School catchment area covers far more villages than just Wootton. Having achieved Beacon Status in 2001, it is regarded as one of the top upper schools in the county.

The main feeder schools are Holywell and Marston Vale middle schools.

Kimberley College

Kimberley College is a new Sixth form college that opened in Stewartby in April 2014. The college is operated by Wootton Academy Trust, and the two centres share facilities for their sixth form students.[2]

Notes and References

  1. News: Bedfordshire league tables . BBC News .
  2. Web site: New Sixth Form College | University of Bedfordshire | Bedford College & Schools in Bedfordshire . Bedfordshire-news.co.uk . 6 June 2013.