Bramley Oak Academy in Guildford, Surrey has today become part of London South East Academies Trust.
The school, previously called Wey House School, offers provision for boys age 5-11 with Special, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Bramley Oak Academy joins the Trust’s seven schools, which include mainstream, special and alternative provision across south London. The Trust has significant experience of improving performance, with a social mission to support schools and help create high-quality provision, particularly for children who have additional needs.
The decision for Bramley Oak to become part of the Trust followed extensive consultation with the Department for Education and Surrey County Council earlier this year. Joint working began in April and improvements in relation to curriculum, behaviour and teaching and learning have already been made.
Neil Miller, Executive Headteacher, London South East Academies Trust, says: “After several months of hard work by everyone at Bramley Oak Academy, I’m delighted to see it officially becoming part of London South East Academies Trust.
“Our priority is ensuring that every pupil here has access to every opportunity they need to reach their full potential. We are committed to working closely with parents/carers, providing support and care for them and their children.
“Improving a school requires outstanding teamwork and absolute commitment. I have been hugely impressed by the staff team – led by Peter Forrest as the Head of School - and I am grateful to everyone who has been involved so far from the Trust to support this work. We look forward to the next chapter of the school’s rapid improvement journey.”
Sam Parrett OBE, CEO and Group Principal of London & South East Education Group, adds: “We are delighted to become part of Surrey Special Schools Network as we welcome Bramley Oak Academy into London South East Academies Trust.
“Our schools support many young people across south London with SEMH needs. I am pleased that we have been able to extend this expertise to Surrey, enabling us to further our mission to help more children get the specialist education they need and deserve.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved so far, working hard to ensure that children with additional needs in this area have access to high quality education and support.”
Jane Winterbone, Deputy Director of Education at Surrey County Council, says: “Watching the transformation of Bramley Oak Academy over the past few months has been fantastic.
“The need for high quality specialist provision across the county is growing and it is fortunate that we have been able to draw on the expertise of London South East Academies Trust to help meet this demand.
“I am grateful to everyone at the school and the Trust for their hard work, as well as to parents/carers and children for their ongoing support. I wish Bramley Oak Academy every success going forward.”
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