Watling Academy is part the Denbigh Alliance Multi-Academy Trust based at Denbigh School, approximately one mile away from our main site in Whitehouse, Milton Keynes. We are a brand new, purpose built 11-16 secondary school on the rapidly expanding western flank of Milton Keynes, comprising of the Whitehouse and Fairfields developments. On reaching capacity we will number 1800 students, admitting year groups of 360.

In the first few years of operation, Watling will take students from further afield in Milton Keynes, but this radius will reduce year on year as the communities continue to expand. The projected numbers for students requiring a secondary school place in September 2022 demonstrate that there is more than adequate need for our planned 360 intake.

We are currently in discussion with the Local Authority about how we secure sixth form provision from 2025, when our first cohort of students reaches the end of Year 11. Those discussions have proved positive to date and we remain fully committed to providing a clear sixth form pathway for our students.

The Trust’s mission – to provide the highest standards of Education, Care and Opportunity for all its students is underpinned by the ‘Watling Way’ exemplifying our core values of

• Respect
• Responsibility
• Kindness

These form an integral part of a shared language between all members of our community – within lessons, extra-curricular activities, social time and in every interactions between ourselves and others.

Our broad and balanced curriculum is intertwined with three distinct themes that provide the foundations for everything we do:-

• STEM
• Global challenges
• The development of Milton Keynes

As the fastest growing city in the UK, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students understand how Milton Keynes has developed over time, where its sits now as a centre for innovation and technology and foster in them the skills and knowledge to be successful as the city continues to  expand. We are committed to encouraging our students to champion the need to respect and be kind to the environment around us and actively contribute to tackling global challenges around sustainability.

As the Academy grows from 180 students to 1800 students over six years there will be many new and exciting roles created and being part of the journey will open up those opportunities to colleagues who have the right skills and experience to take the next steps at whatever level.

We believe in providing professional development and support for all colleagues, both teaching and associate staff, enabling them to grow their expertise and be ready for the next steps in their career.

Alongside the support you will get from experienced leaders at Watling Academy, there will also be wider support from staff within the Denbigh Alliance Multi-Academy Trust. With access to the Teaching School, Tommy Flowers SCITT, Enigma Maths Hub and Computing Hub, there are direct opportunities for colleagues to take part in and lead quality professional development.

 Ian Bacon - Headteacher