A Taunton secondary school has embarked upon an important new chapter in its long history by becoming an academy, joining a successful schools trust – and unveiling a brand new name.
The former Heathfield Community School has today (Friday) achieved academy status and become Monkton Wood Academy – a name chosen after consultation between school leaders, staff and students, and designed to reflect its location and semi-rural environment.
Additionally, Monkton Wood has today formally joined the Cabot Learning Federation, a trust with a strong track record of delivering improvements to schools throughout the South West.
The impact of close collaboration with the CLF has already been seen in a recent Ofsted monitoring visit, which heralded an ‘ambitious vision and clear plan’ for school development which has already led to improved student attendance and behaviour.
Hannah Jones, Principal at Monkton Wood Academy, said:
“We are immensely proud of our school and the positive way it has impacted lives throughout this community over many years. It is now time to begin a new phase in the school’s journey, and we are hugely excited about our next chapter.
“Our new name has been chosen after consultation throughout our school community. We feel it continues to respect our history, and reflects our location and environment. I am pleased the change has been so warmly welcomed.
“Looking ahead, we are delighted to be working within the Cabot Learning Federation family of schools as we continue to build upon the improvements noted by Ofsted during their recent visit.”
Picture caption: Monkton Wood Academy Principal Hannah Jones unveils the school’s new name and logo with students (from left) Maisie Durman, Noah Day-Hitchen, Bethel Chitambira and Aretha Agere.
