Principal's Welcome

Welcome to Woodkirk Academy's website.

I am delighted to welcome you to Woodkirk Academy and Sixth Form.

We are a popular, successful and oversubscribed school, with a very proud record in academic, intellectual, social, musical, sporting and community developments.

We are committed to 'Shaping Young Lives.'  We do this by developing the whole person; by empowering our students to be the best they can be, with the knowledge and character that enables them to make a difference to their own lives and to the lives of others.

All members of the school community work towards the same goals.  Together we create a culture that supports our aims.  A culture that believes in:

• Being kind to oneself and to others;
• Equality of opportunity for all;
• Ambition for oneself and others;
• Hard work as the key to success;
• Acting with integrity and authenticity at all times; and
• Striving to be the best that one can be in all that is done.

The taught curriculum is broad; is academically ambitious; and embraces the arts, STEM and sport.  The personal development of our students, the Global Citizens of tomorrow, is priority and is supported through an extensive co-curriculum, which encompasses trips, visits, music, drama, careers education information and guidance, and ecology.  As one of the country's leading partners in the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, our students are challenged and supported to push themselves physically and mentally, and to give back to the community.

We believe that a first class education requires exemplary safety and behaviour, and we work very hard to establish this.  The pastoral care offered to our students is second to none.  All of our staff are responsible for the well-being of our students; we ensure we know what is required for each of them to be at their best and are committed to offering this.

We enjoy great success.  The progress made by students at Key Stage 4, including those less advantaged members of the community, is routinely significantly above other schools nationally.  Similarly, at Key Stage 5 our students make great strides forwards.  As the only school based sixth form locally, students who remain with us from Year 7 to Year 13 benefit from the wealth of knowledge teachers gather about each of them.  Our Sixth Form is also the choice of new-to Woodkirk students as we provide a more personalised approach and excellent subject offerings, particularly music and performing arts.  New to Sixth Form students Recent graduates of Year 13 have secured places at Oxbridge and other Russell Group universities; acquired placements on competitive and high level apprenticeships; and have found employment of their choice.

The heart of our success is the tremendously hardworking and dedicated staff whose energies are devoted to providing the best opportunities for all students in the school. 

As a member of Leodis Academies Trust, we work closely with East Ardsley, Hill Top, Westerton and Blackgates Primary Academies.  A well-qualified, experienced and enthusiastic staff and an active Friends of the School Association also ensure that students at Woodkirk are given every opportunity to excel.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require any further information about the school or if you would like to visit us and see us in ‘action’.