Sir Thomas Boughey Academy Prospectus 25-26

“Pupils are happy to come to this welcoming, inclusive school. They are enthusiastic about their learning, and are kind and considerate to one another.”

Welcome

It’s a privilege to welcome you to Sir Thomas Boughey Academy — a school where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. We are proud to be a safe, happy, and ambitious learning community, where curiosity is nurtured and achievement is celebrated. Our values of excellence, kindness, and being respectful are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our culture, guide our decisions, and help every student feel a strong sense of belonging.

At Sir Thomas Boughey, we believe that success is not defined by starting points, but by the determination to grow. When students attend regularly, behave positively, and engage fully with their learning, they achieve great things — and we are here to support them every step of the way. We believe that every child deserves an excellent education and the chance to flourish, that’s why we focus not only on academic success, but also on building character, confidence, and a strong sense of connection to our community.

In 2022, Ofsted recognised our commitment to excellence with a “Good” rating across all areas, highlighting our high expectations, enthusiastic learners, and the care that runs through everything we do. As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing stronger together and providing a vibrant, inclusive environment for every student.

Our curriculum is rich and challenging, designed to spark interest and unlock potential. Beyond the classroom, students can explore a wide range of extracurricular opportunities — from sports and the arts to leadership and community service with our Boughey Extra programme — helping them to discover their passions and develop as well-rounded individuals.

Choosing the right school is a big decision. I hope this prospectus gives you a clear sense of what makes Sir Thomas Boughey Academy so special. We look forward to welcoming you and your child into our school family.

Mrs Lisa Shoreman Headteacher

Why Sir Thomas Boughey Academy

Choosing the right school for your child is a crucial decision, and at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, we offer an exceptional educational experience that goes beyond academics. Our dedicated staff, inclusive community, and commitment to student development ensure that every child has the opportunity to excel.

We provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. Our comprehensive curriculum, combined with a wide range of extracurricular activities, helps to develop well-rounded individuals equipped with the skills and confidence needed for future success.

Our strong pastoral care system, grounded in traditional values, supports students’ well-being and personal growth. With a focus on respect, responsibility, and resilience, we prepare our students not only for academic achievements but also for life beyond school.

At Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, we are committed to fostering a love of learning, building character, and creating a supportive community where every student can thrive. Join us, and let’s embark on this educational journey together.

Recommended by students and parents

Pupils are happy to come to this welcoming, inclusive school. They are enthusiastic about their learning, and are kind and considerate to one another.

(Ofsted February 2022)

Pupils behave well. They are respectful in lessons, and listen carefully to their teachers. Pupils said that they feel safe.

(Ofsted February 2022)

I was really nervous when I first started high school because I struggle with some subjects. But all of the teachers are really helpful here and the lessons are always fun!

Student, Age 15

I feel like I belong at STB because it’s a place where individuality is celebrated, success is nurtured, and everyone is encouraged to strive for their best while supporting one another as a true community!

Student, Age 14

Sir Thomas Boughey is like a family with a real sense of community. There are lots of opportunities for students beyond the classroom to explore interests and have new experiences, whether they are sleeping under the stars at Year 9 Camp or going to the Houses of Parliament, we are encouraged to push beyond our comfort zone to grow as an individual. In lessons our voice matters, we are heard and are challenged to think deeply, and strive for excellence in all that we do. Our school is small enough that everyone is known, and so strengthens the sense of belonging.

Year 9 Student

Unlocking academic and personal potentialASPIRE mountain

Helping students achieve their ambitions drives everything that we do.

Our goal is to unlock students’ academic and personal potential, and we accomplish this through excellent teaching, an engaging curriculum and extraordinary extracurricular opportunities.

One thing that makes our school truly unique is our ASPIRE framework.

ASPIRE develops our students’ character virtues and learner skills to become the best learners and best people they can be in every lesson, every day.

As well as developing character and learner skills, we focus on developing students’ leadership skills. Leadership is central to everything we do, and

we encourage students to be leaders in all ways. Students have access to lots of leadership opportunities in the classroom, as part of the school senate and within their school houses, to name a few.

Our teaching and learning is powered up by digital technology to provide students with the essential skills they need in a rapidly changing and digital world. Our teachers create inspiring learning experiences through the use of technology and iPads for Learning

- a partnership with parents which provides students with an iPad to use in school and at home as part of their learning.

Learning at our school goes way beyond the classroom. Students have the chance to take part in a vast range of extracurricular activities and incredible opportunities. This includes joining school clubs, working with employers and former students, supporting charities and participating in house competitions.

Curriculum - Unlocking Academic Potential

All staff at Sir Thomas Boughey are committed to providing an outstanding curriculum, offering an exciting, rich, varied and broad course of study which is based on the skills and knowledge our students will need when they leave the school as young adults.

We work to create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. No matter what the students choose for their future, whether it be to go onto higher education or directly into training or employment, we have a range of

curriculum pathways that will prepare students for college and beyond.

Ofsted 2022 praised the fact that ‘The curriculum is ambitious’ and ‘Leaders have a clear vision for the curriculum and have put in place comprehensive ‘curriculum journeys”. Ofsted also praised the way in which ‘teachers use different strategies to help pupils know more and remember more. For example, lessons begin with an activity to recap on previously taught content.”

Enrichment Opportunities

At Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. Our enrichment programmes are designed to provide students with a variety of opportunities to develop their interests, skills, and character. From lunchtime clubs to after-school activities, we offer a vibrant array of options that encourage students to explore new hobbies, meet friends, and grow in confidence.

Students can immerse themselves in diverse activities such as film club, chess, and board games, or delve into creative pursuits like art and music. Our science and STEM clubs stimulate curiosity and innovation, while sports clubs promote physical fitness and teamwork. Additionally, the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award programme allows students to embark on life-changing adventures, fostering resilience, leadership, and community involvement.

Our enrichment opportunities are carefully crafted to inspire and empower every student, ensuring they leave us as well-rounded individuals ready to achieve their full potential. Join us at Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, where every day brings new possibilities for growth and discovery.

Examples of Our Enrichment Activities:

• Film Club: Explore and analyse films with fellow students.

• Chess Club: Develop strategic thinking and enjoy friendly competition.

• Art Club: Unleash your creativity with various art projects.

• Science STEM Club: Engage in exciting scientific experiments and challenges.

• Basketball Club: Enhance your skills and enjoy team sports.

• Duke of Edinburgh Award: Participate in a programme that builds character and leadership through adventure and community service.

The WAT Pledge

Expanding learning beyond the classroom and unlocking academic and personal potential.

We endeavour to stretch, challenge and develop students academically, socially and personally. To enable students to succeed, we pledge to offer and expose our students to 12 opportunities.

We promise that students will achieve the following 12 experiences/accomplishments before leaving our school.

Become a first aider

Raise money for charity

Visit the sea

Take part in a residential

Visit a theatre/museum

Take part/perform in a musical or sporting event

Sleep under the stars

Take part in a Duke of Edinburgh style expedition

Visit a historical landmark

Visit a higher education establishment

Present to more than 30 people Unlocking Academic and Personal Potential

Take part in work-based experience

A welcoming and supportive environment

We understand that joining secondary school is a big step for your child. That’s why we offer a comprehensive transition programme that enables students to settle in quickly and make the best start to secondary school life.

Our transition programme includes inviting children to our New Intake Days, where they can get to know their way around the school, experience taster lessons, and make friends with other students joining in Year 7. Parents are also invited to our New Intake Evening, where they meet our leadership team, our student services team, and form tutors, and receive essential information to prepare for their child joining our school.

Once at our school, your child will experience our welcoming and caring community. This community is built on

traditional values of excellence, kindness and respect: values that are lived by our whole school community.

We provide excellent care through our pastoral team and house system. The pastoral team consists of an Assistant Headteacher, a non-teaching Student Services Assistant, and form tutors who oversee your child’s progress and provide the support they need to succeed. Students are managed pastorally through year groups, and the school is divided into houses.

Our three houses provide students with the opportunity to participate in charity work, a range of activities, and inter-house competitions. This builds students’ confidence, develops their character, and, importantly, allows them to have fun!

Learning Starts at Home

A good home learning habit developed in Year 7 stands students in good stead for the rigours of GCSE and technical qualifications in the latter years of secondary education. Homework also strengthens the ability to work independently, fosters responsibility for individual learning beyond the classroom, and encourages pupils to

review and extend their own work in breadth and depth.

Parents and pupils are provided with login information for Microsoft Teams, where homework is displayed online along with all relevant resources, ensuring that students have everything they need to succeed at their fingertips.

A Warm Welcome to the Windsor Academy Trust Family

Welcome! We are so proud that you are thinking of joining us.

When your child becomes a student at one of our secondary schools, they don’t just join a school; they become part of our Windsor Academy Trust family. We are a family of fifteen local primary and secondary schools, all working together with one simple, shared mission: to unlock the academic and personal potential of every single child.

So, what does being part of our family mean for your child?

It means they get the best of both worlds. They will belong to their own brilliant school, with its unique character and community, while also getting exciting opportunities from being part of something bigger.

• More opportunities to shine: Being in a family of schools means more shared adventures! From competing in sports tournaments and performing on stage at our ‘WAT a West End Star!’ events, to taking part in creative camps with students from our other schools, your child will have extra chances to discover new talents and make new friends.

• Great teaching, every day: Our teachers and staff from all our schools work together as one team. They share their best ideas and get the best training, which means your child’s lessons will be inspiring, challenging, and full of creativity.

• Support to be their best self: We promise to see and celebrate your child for who they are. We want to help them find their spark –whether that’s a passion for science, a talent for football, or a love of art. We believe in helping our students grow into confident, kind, and responsible young people who are ready to make a positive difference in the world.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Dawn Haywood CEO, Windsor Academy Trust

Sir Thomas Boughey Academy is proud to be part of the Windsor Academy Trust family. We are privileged to work with, and learn from, all the schools in our Trust. By joining us, your child is becoming part of a community that will support them to be all, and more, than they ever thought they could be.

How to apply and join our school

Admissions to our school are handled by Staffordshire County Council.

You will be contacted directly by the council to apply for a place in Year 7 and can apply online or by completing a paper application form. The council will then contact you in March to inform you which school your child has been allocated. The timeline below shows the key stages of the application process.

Admissions Timeline

Applications Open 1st September 2025 Applications Close 31st October 2025

1st March 2026

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