I am privileged to be the CEO/Principal of Central England Academy Trust which consists of Oak Wood Primary School, Oak Wood Secondary School, Higham Lane and Jade Unit.

The trust provides an education for young people aged 4 to 19, including  some who have a wide range of special educational needs including profound, severe and moderate learning disabilities. A growing number of our young people have an autistic spectrum condition and complex learning needs.

‘Serving the Heart of England’ is our strapline and we fervently believe that putting families at the core of everything we do is of paramount importance. Working collaboratively with multi-agency professionals and sharing expertise and knowledge across schools in the trust as well as fully involving parents/carers ensures the very best outcomes for all our young people. Through having in-depth knowledge of each young person, high aspirations and a team of staff and professionals with a range of expertise, knowledge and skills in the field of special needs we believe we are able to deliver an education so that every young person can succeed and many can exceed expectations. We are very proud of our learning ethos as we believe there are no ceilings as far as the learning and development of each pupil is concerned.

Our core trust values of Collaboration, Equity, Achievement and Trust helps provide focus on what really matters to our schools’ community and reminds us of the importance of serving every member in our trust community; both young people and adults. As a trust we are very proud to work closely with the Local Authority (LA) to meet the needs of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The LA overview important statutory duties such as admissions and transport; whilst also ensuring that there are enough quality places for pupils with SEND. As such we are supported by the LA to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their specific needs, make the best possible progress in school towards achieving the very best outcomes to take their rightful place in society.

If you would like more information on the school I would encourage you to contact us and arrange a visit.

I very much look forward to meeting you.

George Smith
CEO/Principal