Skip to content ↓

Latest News

Page 2

  • RAF Members Jazz Up Visit to WNAT School

    Published 06/05/25

    The Royal Air Force inspired students at a West Norfolk Academies Trust secondary on Friday, 25 April with a careers' day that featured a musical twist.

    The visitors to Springwood High School in King’s Lynn were members of a Jazz Ensemble from the RAF College in Cranwell in Lincolnshire, and gave two performances, as well as leading a workshop with musicians at the school, which culminated in a free evening concert.

    The event was taking place for the first time, at the suggestion of a former student who is now in the RAF.

    “Thomas Maddison, an ex-Springwood student, is a member of the RAF Jazz Ensemble and made contact to see if we would like them to come to school and do some demonstrations, along with a careers talk,” explained Robin Norman, who is Director of Music at Springwood and WNAT.

    “This we were pleased to accept, and it was then expanded to include work with our own Big Band and an informal performance afterwards.”

    Ten RAF musicians, including Mr Maddison on bass, entertained around 270 Year 9 students and discussed careers in the service, after which they were joined by a further five members of the Jazz Ensemble for the workshop and evening collaboration with the Springwood Big Band.

    “The career talks covered joining the RAF, and what it is like being in RAF,” continued Mr Norman, who liaised with Mr Maddison and the RAF to organise the event, with the support of Eddie Seales, Director of the Springwood Big Band, Head of Year 9 Jane Robinson, and Year 9 Manager Pete Cuss.

    “There was also a slant towards being a musician in the RAF, as we have a lot of musicians in Year 9.”

    Ranging from Years 7 to 12, Springwood’s Big Band members were put through their paces by the RAF musicians before the groups joined forces to perform an informal concert for an audience of around 70 friends and family members.

    “The RAF brought some pieces with them, and they rehearsed and worked on them with the school band for 90 minutes before the performance,” added Mr Norman. “The idea was to give our students an idea of what it is like to work at that level, and to also have the experience of working with professional musicians.

    “Events such as this cannot be underestimated from both an inspirational and educational point of view. For our musicians, it gave them the experience of performing alongside professionals at a professional level – something many would not have done – and it inspired them to improve on their own instruments.

    “For the other students attending the concerts, they heard professional musicians – something that is a huge cultural experience. They also had the opportunity to hear about careers in the RAF and to ask questions of the musicians.

    “We were thrilled that the RAF wanted to come to Springwood and tell our students about their lives in the RAF. Their calendar is full – we were lucky to have them.”

    Read More
  • WNAT School Wins Award for Supporting Young Carers

    Published 06/05/25

    The exceptional support given to caregiver students at a West Norfolk Academies Trust school has been recognised by a prestigious national award.

    Springwood High School in King’s Lynn received the Friendly Tick Award from the charity Caring Together, which acknowledges schools that support young carers.

    “The award celebrates the school’s work throughout the academic year to support students who balance education with the responsibility of caring for a family member,” explained Matt Scoles, who is Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) Lead at Springwood.

    “Young carers often face challenges that are not typically encountered by their peers, from household tasks, to providing physical and emotional care for loved ones.  Springwood High School has made significant strides in ensuring these students feel supported, understood, and valued within the school community.”

    Measures taken include the introduction of a support group; the creation of a special agreement; and the provision of extra training for staff.

    “This academic year, Springwood High School established a dedicated group to identify and support young carers,” continued Mr Scoles. “The group meets regularly and has a Google Classroom where students can access important updates, share information, and stay connected with others in similar situations.

    “A pivotal moment of this year was the development of a Young Carers Agreement, created by students and approved by the Senior Leadership Team. This agreement outlines the support students can expect to receive from teachers and staff, ensuring that young carers receive the understanding and flexibility they need.

    “In response to the unique challenges faced by young carers, the school has provided additional training to staff to help them better understand the pressures these students face. This includes offering greater flexibility with homework deadlines to accommodate their responsibilities at home.”

    Springwood also held a Young Carers Action Day celebration, where WNAT CEO Andy Johnson commended the caregivers for their commitment to both their families and their studies.

    “As a young carer, I feel like we are kept in the loop of what’s going on,” said a Year 9 student at the school. “I feel that the support for us young carers is always there when we need it, and the teachers are always very understanding when it comes to handing homework in, or not being very awake after having a stressful night at home due to helping out with siblings or parents.”

    “We are keen at Springwood High School to celebrate the achievements of our young people in all areas of their lives,” added Mr Scholes. “Many of our young carers don’t seek recognition, but they do all deserve it – they are not only carers but leaders, role models, and an inspiration to us all.

    “We are delighted that the support we provide for our young carers has been recognised by the Friendly Tick Award. This award reflects the hard work and dedication of both the students and staff in making Springwood a supportive environment for all.

    “The Friendly Tick Award recognises schools that go above and beyond to support their young carers, and Springwood High School is proud to join a network of schools that are committed to this important cause.”

    Read More
  • Young Stars Impress As Broadway Comes To Hunstanton

    Published 01/05/25

    Hunstanton enjoyed a taste of Broadway, when talented students from Smithdon High School staged their annual Easter concert at the Town Hall recently.

    Smithdon Salutes Broadway saw soloists and choirs from the school perform a range of well-known pieces from popular musicals, while there was also an appearance by school band 'The Unknown' at the event just before the end of term.

    “Our Year 8 band, 'The Unknown', is always a highlight, as they amp up the energy,” said Andrea Barnes, who is Head of Music and directed the show.

    “Our singers were also a true showcase of how much hard work they are doing, with absolutely beautiful solos from Hamilton, Les Miserables, and Oliver, among others.”

    Around 30 students from Years 7 to 11 were involved in the production, both on stage and behind the scenes.

    “The performers just like any opportunity to get on stage and perform to an audience,” continued Mrs Barnes.

    “We also try to make our concerts really student-led, with students running and helping with lighting design, sound, stage managing, and as runners. 

    “This sense of ownership over the concert gives them a lot of pride in what it is they have done. They also really like being able to support each other in their artistic endeavours.”

    The Easter concert has become a regular fixture in the school calendar, and, for the last few years, has taken the music of stage and screen as its theme.

    This year, staff supporting the production included peripatetic teachers Dan Ashby and Becky Harrington, as well as Smithdon’s Deputy Head, Sarah Robinson, Head of Design Technology Alix Birks, Head of Year 7 Alysha Moat, and Drama Teacher Kayleigh Brown.

    “The concert went brilliantly,” added Mrs Barnes. “The students are growing and growing in their talents, and it is lovely to showcase it. The feedback received was really positive from everyone. Many people commented on how much improved our musicians are becoming, especially our singers.

    “Events like this are really important to our student community, but also to the greater Hunstanton community.

    “It is really important for the students to be able to have opportunities, no matter what their skillset is, to showcase what it is they are learning in lessons and clubs.

    “It helps to build their confidence as they perform on stage. And it shows our wider community how truly amazing and talented our students are.”

    We hold regular musical events throughout the year, with the school’s Summer Concert due to take place in Hunstanton Town Hall in July.

    “The students’ performances are going from strength-to-strength,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins. “It is so heartwarming watching their progress from each concert to the next – both in confidence and quality. I am so proud of their dedication, and of the work Andrea does to support them."

    Read More
  • Teacher Hits The GEAR Trail To Help Air Ambulance

    Published 01/05/25

    One of our teachers will be heading to the start line for this year’s GEAR run in King’s Lynn, after witnessing the East Anglian Air Ambulance in action.

    And she will be cheered-on by pupils as they will also be taking part in the mini-GEAR on Sunday (4).

    Michelle Ryan, who has been a teacher at Clenchwarton Primary  for 24 years, signed up for the 10k to raise money for the charity after seeing it's work first hand when a parent was taken ill near to the school.

    The air ambulance’s response saved a life, and Mrs Ryan is raising money for the organisation, which relies on donations.

    “A medical emergency happened near the school at pick-up time in 2023. Some Clenchwarton school staff responded by providing immediate and life-saving CPR and the EAAA arrived very quickly, took over, and transported the patient to a specialist hospital where they made their recovery,” she said.

    The children in her class are working towards the EAAA Challenge Badge and recently held a cake sale where they decorated tables, put up bunting and sold cakes to raise £134.20 towards the charity.

    Although it is the third time she has run the 10k, it has been a few years, and Mrs Ryan (47) has been training hard for the weekend’s event.

    “I have tried to juggle work, family and training - it’s been difficult to fit it all in, but my main aim has been to follow the Couch to 10k training plan. Over the Easter break I have been fortunate enough to run every other day and I feel great!” she said.

    Mrs Ryan has already raised more than £300 from sponsorship - but is aiming for more and she has her own fundraising page on the JustGiving website. The link is here.

    Each mission for the air ambulance costs an average of around £4,250 and the EAAA relies entirely on donations to keep providing the 365-day, 24-hour service for Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.

    Read More
  • WNAT Schools Rock

    Published 24/04/25

    It was guitars at the ready, when West Norfolk's aspiring rock stars took to the stage for the annual West Norfolk Academies Trust Battle of the Bands.

    Hosted by WNAT member Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, the hotly-fought contest featured 25 students from three of our Trust’s four secondary schools. 

    Besides Springwood, participating high schools included Marshland in West Walton and Smithdon in Hunstanton, while band members ranged in age from Years 7 to 13.

    It was the third time that the event had taken place, with this year’s contestants including Dislocated Shoulder from Marshland; The Unknown from Smithdon; and Springwood’s The Rock Club, Boogaloo, and The Gliders.

    “The highlights were watching all the amazing, up-and-coming bands from three high schools, with a special mention to The Unknown from Smithdon’s rendition of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen,” said Pete Cuss, Head of Arts at Springwood and organiser of the event.

    He was supported by Springwood Music Teacher Thomas Burt, Springwood Associate Head Nick Wills, and WNAT CEO Andy Johnson – all of whom also joined forces to perform a version of ‘Green Onions’ as the Staff Band.

    Despite stiff competition, The Gliders came out on top, performing tracks by Royal Blood, the Arctic Monkeys, and McFly to impress the audience, which included talent scouts from Hunstanton Festival.

    The Battle of the Bands Trophy was presented to the winners by Mr Cuss.

    “This is not only an important event for the Trust to give young musicians the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience, but also for our local area,” he added. 

    “The majority of established musical talent in West Norfolk was formed in schools, and many performers go on to perform in local venues and at events like Festival Too.”

    Read More
  • Pupils Head to Parliament

    Published 04/04/25

    Members of our schools’ Junior Leadership Teams from three primary schools made the trip to London recently to find out more about the workings of government.

    Children from Walpole Cross Keys,  Clenchwarton and West Lynn Primary Schools were led on the trip by Assistant Head Billy Overton.

    The group was treated to a guided tour of the historic building and discovered how laws have been created by those who work in both houses and how they are shaped by people from the past and the present.

    The Junior Leadership Teams are elected at each of the primary schools.

    “They have a role in making decisions as to how our schools may be improved through a range of initiatives including learning walks and they also help celebrate our schools’ achievements,” said Mr Overton.

    “The trip to Parliament showed the children how our system works and enabled them to see the political system at work. Our leadership teams are encouraged to acquire skills and knowledge that, it is hoped, will encourage them to consider taking an active role in leading people in the future,” he added.

    Read More
  • West Norfolk Pupils Head To Duxford For Close Look At Flying Icons

    Published 04/04/25

    Flying icons from the Second World War were amongst the exhibits young visitors from West Norfolk primary schools were able to take a close look at when they saw planes of all types in the Duxford museum.

    Children from Walpole Cross Keys, Clenchwarton and West Lynn primary schools even had the chance to try on uniforms at the former base in Cambridgeshire, now part of the Imperial War Museum.

    Year 6 pupils at all three schools have been studying the Second World War and the Battle of Britain Gallery at the museum ensured they could see a Spitfire and Hurricane close-up. There is also a crash-landed Messerschmitt as part of the exhibition.

    “The children were really interested in finding out about the planes involved in the Battle of Britain and even some that featured in the Pearl Harbour attack. 

    “We saw all the big-name planes and quite a few more modern ones, including Concorde. The children also enjoyed trying on some RAF uniforms and using the interactive devices to find out more about the exhibits and listening to information on the telephones on different stations,” said Billy Overton, Assistant Headteacher at Walpole Cross Keys.

    The group visited a historic hangar, which houses the WWII exhibition, that was once home to the first operational Spitfires and the US 78th Fighter Group.

    Read More
  • Schools Welcome Woolly Visitors

    Published 03/04/25

    It’s not every day a new pupil called Gromit arrives at your school fresh from Wensleydale and with a mum called Ethel.

    But then it’s not every day your school has a purpose-built sheep pen on the playing field and an army of volunteers waiting for their turn to meet the new stars of the show.

    Ethel and Gromit, both Wensleydale sheep, spent a week at Clenchwarton Primary School as part of its Learn About Livestock topic which enabled the children to see first-hand what life is like when you have animals depending on you.

    “The whole school took part and had the opportunity to learn about farming, food production, and the importance of feed and how wool is used. The children also spent time sketching the sheep,” said Charlie Howells, Assistant Headteacher.

    Clenchwarton was joined by West Lynn and Walpole Cross Keys Primaries in hosting guests from a Swaffham farm as part of the special project.

    “Staff received training on how to care for sheep and established a relationship with the farmer. We are extremely excited to take part in this project and have the sheep stay with us,” added Mrs Howells.

    Sophy Tarsey, Head of Year 3, spent the week in her wellies and looking after the school’s newest arrivals with the aid of excited children, as she was the designated person to be in charge of the visitors.

    Betty and her lamb Flora were the guests at West Lynn Primary School, also a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, while Walpole Cross Keys Primary School hosted Donna and Minty for the week.

    The Learn about Livestock initiative is now in its fifth year and is organised by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership.

    A total of 20 schools across the county took part in the scheme this year by hosting livestock.

    “The project is the most rewarding I think I have ever been involved with. From the initial pilot scheme in 2019, it has grown significantly in reputation and reach,” said Gail Sprake, of Rare Breeds Survival.

    “To have a ewe and her lambs on the school site for one week provides an opportunity for the entire school to get up close to the animals, and to take responsibility for their animals. So many of the pupils have never been up close to farm livestock,” she added.

    Read More
  • Broadway Comes To Hunstanton

    Published 01/04/25

    Music lovers are in for a treat, when Broadway comes to Hunstanton Town Hall on Thursday 3 April, courtesy of the young talents of Smithdon High School.

    Smithdon Salutes Broadway is a celebration of films and musicals, and will feature performances from students across Years 7 to 10 at the school, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

    “Students will be performing songs from movies and musicals,” said Andrea Barnes, who is Head of Music at Smithdon, and organiser of the evening.

    “I believe this is the third or fourth year of our spring concert being a night celebrating music from film and stage.”

    Students will also be working behind the scenes to provide refreshments at the show, while supporting staff will include Deputy Headteacher Sarah Robinson, and peripatetic teachers Dan Ashby, Becky Harrington, and David Maddison.

    An audience of around 150 people is expected, with donations collected on the door.

    “Events like this are important to show the community all of the amazing work our students are doing here at Smithdon, and to give students an opportunity to develop their confidence, as they get up to perform for a large audience,” added Mrs Barnes.

    “Concerts are an amazing way to showcase our school values of ‘Work Hard, Be Kind, and Smile’.”

    Smithdon Salutes Broadway is at 6pm on Thursday 3 April in Hunstanton Town Hall.

    Read More
  • Springwood High School Offers Performance Space for Wider Community

    Published 31/03/25

    With King’s Lynn’s historic St George’s Guildhall closed for refurbishment, Springwood High School has stepped up to offer its newly improved facilities to performers in the area – thanks to funding from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

    Both the Drama Studio and Peter Hopkins Hall at Springwood have benefited from extensive makeovers, which included the installation of new, state-of-the-art lighting, costing more than £80,000, to bring the performance spaces up to the standard of the town’s theatres.

    “The new lighting has been funded by the borough council’s Community Infrastructure Levy, with support from the school’s PTFA,” explained Matt Austin, Art Technician.

    “The total spend, including the school’s contribution, was £82,000 all told, with £70,000 of that coming from CIL. This provided all-new, high-spec, LED lighting for both of the main performance halls, as well as work on the electrical infrastructure of both halls to facilitate the use of those lights.

    “The lighting costs to the school will be reduced in total between five and ten-fold, with the drastically reduced bills for electricity, maintenance, and consumables that LED brings over tungsten lighting.

    “In addition, audiences will be far more comfortable than when sharing a room with hot, tungsten lights, and the quality of the lighting will be on a par with the town’s theatres.”

    The upgraded facilities have already attracted performers from the community, with the King’s Lynn Players recently staging a production in the Springwood Drama Studio.

    “We staged King’s Lynn Players’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which was the first use of our new lighting,” continued Mr Austin. “They were the first local dramatics society to benefit from the newly refitted space.

    “Others are set to follow, as Springwood offers to fill the gap left by the Guildhall’s absence over the next few years.

    “Including our own events, we have Battle of the Bands, a dance show after Easter, several concerts (including our outdoor festival), a school play, a fashion show, a KLODS play (King’s Lynn Operatic and Dramatic Society) , an independent panto from local entrepreneur Jordan Winn, and we welcome in 2026 with our production of Les Miserables.”

    Other improvements include refurbishment of the retractable seating in the Drama Studio, along with the installation of similar seating in the Peter Hopkins Hall, again with help from King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council’s CIL.

    “The school has long sought to bring the local community together through performance, be it with music, drama, dance, even fashion shows,” added Mr Austin, who planned and oversaw the work on both venues.

    “Equipment deficiencies had been laid bare, and, as a result, demands had spiralled. Covering these costs was no longer possible within the school budget, and the school’s involvement in the community would have suffered as things were scaled back. This fresh investment means we can now continue to offer that support, even extending it.

    “Without an affordable venue like Springwood, and with the town struggling generally for venues, the entertainment available to the community, and the opportunities to perform, could dwindle.

    “As a performing arts status school, this outlet for creativity has always been at the forefront of what we do.”

    Believed to be the country’s oldest working theatre, the Guildhall, in King Street, is undergoing a massive £20m renovation project designed to secure the future of the 600-year-old venue. Medieval floorboards believed to have been walked on by no less than Shakespeare himself have already been uncovered.

    Read More
  • WNAT Students Step Out For Charity

    Published 27/03/25

    Although no ‘cake walk’, both cakes and walking featured when fundraisers at a West Norfolk Academies Trust secondary took part in this year’s Comic Relief, with the aim of raising more than £500 for the annual charity appeal.

    Students across all year groups at Smithdon High School in Hunstanton participated in Red Nose Day on Friday 21 March, which saw them sport non-uniform and undertake a sponsored fitness challenge – as well as enjoy some home-baked cakes.

    In 2024, the school raised over £400 for Comic Relief – a figure that they hope to have exceeded this year, with a target of £500 to beat.

    “We hope to have raised more than £500 from the non-uniform day and cake sale, and students were also challenged to see how many laps of the school field they could complete in one hour,” explained Alix Birks, who teaches Design Technology at Smithdon, and supported the School Council in organising the event.

    “This took place during students’ core PE lessons that week,” she continued. “We encouraged students to raise sponsorship donations from friends and family to raise money for Comic Relief.”

    Staff at Smithdon also dressed down for the day, while additional funds were raised by a group of students who worked together to run a charity Cake Sale at the school.

    “Our Year 10 and 11 ASDAN students organised a Cake Sale, which took place at break and lunch times in the Main Hall,” added Mrs Birks.

    “We asked students to bring cash to buy cakes and contribute to our fundraising effort."

    “There was no theme, just non-uniform – and students were encouraged to wear a Comic Relief red nose as well.”

    “With its theme of ‘Go Big’ this year, for 40 years of Comic Relief as a national charity offering important support to children and those in need in local communities in the UK and worldwide, we felt we needed to ‘go big’ too, and organise an additional event to try to beat last year’s fundraising,” said Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

    “It’s great to see the students getting involved to support those less fortunate than themselves all around the world, and understanding the plight of others, including within our own community.”

    To donate to Comic Relief on behalf of Smithdon, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rnd25-smithdon-high-school

    Read More
  • School in the red for charity

    Published 26/03/25

    Even the snacks were themed when children at a West Norfolk Academies Trust school took part in this year’s Comic Relief fundraiser.

    Pupils across all age groups at Heacham Junior School helped to raise money for the annual event, which took place this year on Friday 21 March.

    “All the children and staff took part,” said Executive Deputy Headteacher Emma Hunt.

    “The Friends of Heacham Junior School had red apples, smiley faces on bananas and Baby Bel on their snack trolley.  Pupils enjoyed painting with watercolours too.”

    Other Comic Relief activities included watching a video about the charity, which was followed by a question-and-answer session where the children were able to find out more about the organisation and its importance.

    Staff and pupils also dressed for the occasion.

    “It was a non-uniform day, with everyone wearing bright-coloured clothes,” added Mrs Hunt. “Some of the children chose to wear red and wore red noses or Red Nose Day merchandise.”

    Fellow WNAT schools participating in the fundraising included Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, Clenchwarton Primary, Walpole Cross Keys Primary and West Lynn Primary.

    Read More

Page 2