HOLMWOOD SCHOOL

In September 2006, Holmwood School joined with Ashbrook School in a soft

federation and I became Head of both Schools. It is always a challenge to take up a

new post, but I have been helped by a very supportive governing body, an enthusiastic “Friends Association” and a very experienced staff. Together we aim to maintain the School’s mission statement – “Bringing out the best in everyone”.

The School has had many successes in the past of which it should be proud.

Standards have been consistently high at Holmwood and the School was awarded a School’s Achievement Award on three occasions in 1998, 1999 and 2001. Although these awards have now been discontinued, the School has continued to set high expectations of its pupils and standards in Literacy and Numeracy, as well as other subjects, continue to be very high. This is because the School delivers a well-planned

curriculum, as was noted in the School’s very positive OFSTED reports of December 2002 and September 2007.While recognising the achievements of the past, the School is now preparing to open a new chapter in its history. The School also installed an activity trail so that the children are able

to enjoy a wide range of challenging and exciting activities in their break times which supports our Healthy Schools status.

Also in September 2005 Milton Keynes reorganised all its schools and Holmwood

became an infant School – admitting Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 children. This was

an exciting opportunity for the School to develop its work and understanding of the

learning of young children. The School already had close links with the playgroups

within its area and will continue to look to develop these further. The additional

space within the School has enabled the staff to further extend the curriculum and

links with the wider community.

Holmwood has often been praised for the warm and welcoming atmosphere and for

the way that staff work in partnership with parents.