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NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ST JOHN'S CE PRIMARY ACADEMY IS ANNOUNCED

The Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of Kerry Cottrell as the Head of School for its new primary school, opening September 2023 as part of the new St John’s Church of England Academy. 

Construction of St John’s CE Primary School will start shortly on Grove’s Wellington Gate Development, overseen by Persimmon Homes. St John’s secondary school will be situated close by and is expected to open its doors to Year 7 students a year later in September 2024.

St John’s CE Academy will be the first all-through school (Nursery to Year 11) in the local area. Prospective parents are invited to meet the newly appointed Primary Head of School in the coming weeks during a series of local Information Events held in the St John’s Church Meeting Rooms in Grove.

The Trust currently includes eight schools across Wantage and Abingdon. The primary school will initially open to nursery and reception children from September 2023.  

Mrs Cottrell has been with the Trust for the last five years, leading on primary curriculum development. “This is an incredibly exciting time for Grove to have a new all-through school built at the heart of our growing community. St John’s will be an inclusive, family school.  Our Christian values - respect, courage and hope - will be central to our innovative and challenging curriculum to develop a love of learning in all of our children.  

I am looking forward to meeting prospective parents at our information events and showcasing our exciting offer. It will be a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and view the plans for the school’s layout and purpose-built facilities.”

Trust CEO Richard Evans commented: “St John’s will be a modern, state of the art school benefitting from the latest facilities and technology. The primary school will have direct access to all the facilities at the secondary school, as well as the support and benefits of being one of a group of flourishing primary schools within the Trust.  Children will have a great opportunity to build a brilliant future at St John’s.”

The Vicar of Grove, John Durant, also commented, “I am delighted to be welcoming this new all-through Church of England school within the new housing development of Wellington Gate. A church school is based on the creative, forgiving and strengthening love of God welcoming everyone. The scripture that emphasizes this comes from the second letter of St. John verse 6 – “Walk in Love”. When the Secondary section of the school opens it will give an alternative choice to local residents. I pray it will be a place where love and truth flourish.”

The first open event for parents will be held on Tuesday 24th May 5.00-6.00 at St John’s Parish Church in Grove. Parents are invited to visit the Eventbrite website to book a place at one of the information sessions.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-johns-ce-academy-grove-information-event-tickets-314435985497