Welcome to West Row Academy!

A very warm welcome to you and your family from all of Team West Row. Our website has been designed to give you an understanding of our school. We hope you find the information useful.

Our school is located in the village of West Row just outside Mildenhall. The school holds a special place in the village’s history, which is reflected in our curriculum, vision, values, and ethos.

Our school caters for children between the ages of 4 and 11 years old and offers a rich and nurturing environment for all who attend. Our grounds are beautiful include a large playground, an exceptional playing field, and thoughtfully designed learning spaces that inspire and engage children.

We are an inclusive, family-friendly school and that welcomes everyone. We work closely with families, encouraging involvement in all aspects of school life. We emphasise the importance of attending school regularly and on time, and we are here to support families, irrespective of any SEND challenges. Building strong, trusting relationships with our children is at the heart of what we do – so they feel valued and want to be here.

Reading is a tool for life. We aim for every child to leave West Row as an accomplished reader ready for the next stage of their learning. Our strong reading culture is central to the school’s vision and values. Through our early intervention and a graduated response, we ensure that no child is left behind. Our team are able to pinpoint specific needs and ensure children can keep up and catch up.

Team West Row is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning regardless of their starting point. We use a variety of approaches to motivate and engage, and we value the role of free play in helping children to consolidate their learning and social skills.

Our after-school activities offer children the chance to explore new interests and develop their passions. We want our pupils to feel inspired, take ownership of their learning, and thrive in a supportive and ambitious environment.

To support this, we implement the PiXL Primary Edge programme, which develops essential life skills through LORIC (Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative, Communication).

Our pastoral support team works hand-in-hand with class teachers and support staff to truly understand and care for each child.

Since joining the Unity Schools Partnership in September 2023, we have benefited from a strong network of support and challenge from our family of schools. This is helping us to grow and improve.

We know it can be helpful to hear what other people say. In our recent survey, October 2024, 96% of parents reported that their child is happy at school. Here are some of the comments that our families have recently shared with us:

• The school has a positive learning vibe.
• Our child seems very happy at school and her progress is great. Very happy parent.
• My friend is moving to West Row. I have recommended West Row Academy. We are so happy with our children’s learning and progress.
• She seems to really enjoy her time at school, thank you!
• The staff had been wonderful with getting information out and engaging with us.
• I am happy with both of my children’s progress and have no worries.
• Good to see the school improving.
• Lots of positive changes, more organised, good communication.
• The staff work exceptionally hard to make sure the needs of our children are met, not just academically but emotionally. We are so glad they attend a school where there is a strong awareness of the need to help children feel safe and ready to learn and also of the way in which they see the child in the context of the whole family. Thank you Team West Row.

We hope this website gives you a glimpse into life at West Row Academy. If you would like to visit us or learn more, please contact the school office to arrange a visit. We’d love to meet you.

Kind regards,

Mrs E Close

Headteacher