I am delighted to welcome you to Watling Meadows Primary School, the newest member of Central England Academy Trust. This is an exciting time for our Trust and for the local community, and we very much look forward to meeting families and children who are interested in learning more about what Watling Meadows has to offer.

Our Trust is founded on four core values: Collaboration, Equity, Aspiration, and Trust. These principles underpin our commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education and fostering environments where every child is supported to thrive.

I warmly invite you to attend one of our upcoming events, and find out first-hand the vision and ethos that will shape the school.

Andrew Dickinson, CEO

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head Teacher of Watling Meadows Primary School. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you all and building positive relationships as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Allow me to share a brief background. I have been a Head Teacher for 18 years, leading three schools across Warwickshire. I am currently working with Warwickshire County Council, supporting schools across the county, particularly in the North, including Nuneaton and Bedworth. As such, I am a strong advocate for the district and deeply value the collaborative spirit among its schools.

It has long been a dream of mine to establish a new school from the ground up and foster a true sense of community and belonging. Now, I have the opportunity to realise that dream—an experience I believe will be incredibly rewarding for us all.

I am also excited to be joining Central England Academy Trust. I wholeheartedly embrace their core values of Collaboration, Equity, Aspiration, and Trust. I have already been made to feel very welcome and part of their family.

Although my official start date is in January, I hope to attend some of the Trust’s upcoming events beforehand, and I look forward to meeting many of you in person. We are also planning a range of activities to involve you in the pre-opening phase of the school. Keep an eye out for the Magic Spade making its debut next year!

We are united in our vision for Watling Meadows to be inclusive and welcoming to all. We are committed to offering places to any child who needs one, particularly those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The opportunity to build a school and community from the ground up is truly unique, and we are determined to ensure that Parents, Carers, Children, and the wider Community are integral to its development.

You will soon see that we are passionate about education and dedicated to getting it right from the start for every child. Our aim is to make Watling Meadows Primary School a vibrant, nurturing environment where everyone feels safe, happy, valued, and empowered to be their very best. We will communicate openly and keep you fully informed as things progress.

Thank you for choosing Watling Meadows Primary School. We look forward to answering any questions you may have and to meeting you soon.

Very best wishes,
Darren Barrow