Join our Trust
The University of Winchester was set up to train teachers in 1840 and ever since has been a leading provider of teacher education. It now works with some 400 schools and is ranked Outstanding by Ofsted for initial teacher training . But the reasons for setting up the University of Winchester Academy Trust go much deeper than that. The Trust's ambition is to create and develop academies which are exemplars of the same values-driven education that is the cornerstone of the University itself. The Trust's schools have sustainability at their heart, are cornerstones of their local communities and beacons of excellence in education, passionately committed to social justice.
Our aim is to create a dynamic research-informed learning environment where children have access to an inspirational curriculum as well as excellent and innovative facilities and staff. We strive to ensure that we both nurture a love of learning, with a strong sense of self and the confidence to engage with the wider world. That is why we have adopted these values:
Compassion: Our school communities care for and respect people, all life and the planet. We are outward looking and have a strong sense of social justice.
Individuals Matter: In our schools, the physical and emotional wellbeing of individuals is important, as are their opinions and views.
Spirituality: We welcome people of all faiths and none. Our school helps us to grow and flourish mentally, physically and spiritually, as a whole person, learning to be creative and resilient and able to face life’s challenges.
We promise to treasure our academies, their staff and their children, to nurture them and provide the support they need to thrive. We have a highly skilled central team who provide all the essential services and advice necessary to operate efficiently as an academy trust. This enables school leaders and school based staff to focus on delivering the day to day operational needs of the school.
Our staff will be provided with high quality professional development which is supported by the University and benefits from the strong collaboration we have across our schools. See our current Trust Development Plan for more information.
The Trusts five academies provide a strong base for growing the Trust further, to around 10 -12 primary schools. We are keen to hear from any school which shares our ethos and our values, who would like to find out more. Confidentiality is assured. The Trust is developing and welcomes the contribution that colleagues in schools joining will bring, we very much welcome the input that new joiners can provide so we can learn from each other.
Please contact Jo Cottrell the Executive Leader, if you would like to know more about our Trust and the academy conversion process in general. Please feel free to request a preliminary conversation or presentation to governors , we are happy to oblige.