Windsor Academy Trust, Trinity Point, High St, Halesowen B63 3HY
L R Savvas Charalambous BAM Sally Jo Wilkinson WAT Rt Hon John Spellar MP and Dawn Haywood WAT

John Spellar MP Visits New Free School, Windsor Olympus Academy, in Winson Green

7th June 2023

Windsor Academy Trust was joined by Rt Hon John Spellar MP for Warley this week when he visited the construction site of the trust’s new free school, Windsor Olympus Academy in Winson Green. The visit aimed to provide Mr Spellar with an opportunity to meet Windsor Academy Trust CEO, Dawn Haywood, and headteacher designate of Windsor Olympus Academy, Sally-Jo Wilkinson, as well as gain insight into the progress and vision for the new school.

The construction tour, led by Savvas Charalambous, project manager from BAM, showcased the remarkable efforts that have gone into creating a state-of-the-art educational facility in the heart of the community. With its completion on the horizon, Windsor Olympus Academy is poised to become a beacon of excellence in education, offering a stimulating learning environment for the students it will serve, while also building strong community links.

During the tour, Mr Spellar had the opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and expertise invested by Windsor Academy Trust in realising its vision for the new school. The construction team provided comprehensive explanations of the design and layout, highlighting the innovative features that will support the modern teaching practices and student engagement.

Mr Spellar expressed his admiration for the commitment shown by Windsor Academy Trust and its leadership team, commending their dedication to providing high-quality education opportunities to the local community. He emphasised the importance of investing in education and expressed confidence in Windsor Olympus Academy’s potential to nurture and develop young minds to their fullest potential.

Dawn Haywood, CEO of Windsor Academy Trust, expressed her gratitude for Mr Spellar’s visit, stating: “We are honoured to have Mr Spellar join us at this point in our school’s journey. His presence underscores the significance of Windsor Olympus Academy and our commitment to educational excellence. We are confident that this new school will make a profound difference in the lives of students and families in the Winson Green community."

Windsor Olympus Academy is set to open its doors to students in September. Situated on Perrott Street in the inner-city suburb, Windsor Olympus Academy will welcome students aged 11-16 and is the tenth school to join Windsor Academy Trust. The school’s commitment to community engagement will ensure that every student receives a well-rounded education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an evolving world.

“It is wonderful to step on site and see first-hand how the building and its surroundings are taking shape, it’s going to be a truly remarkable environment to learn and work,” said Mr Spellar. “Windsor Academy Trust’s aspirations are for Windsor Olympus Academy to become a real community hub in Winson Green, somewhere that will not only fulfil the shortage of secondary school places locally but also provide a welcoming and inclusive asset for the whole community. The sheer volume of applications the school has received for the Year 7 places that will commence in September has demonstrated just how important Windsor Olympus Academy will be for local families.”

New students at Windsor Olympus Academy will benefit from modern and thoughtfully designed classrooms; specialists sports spaces including a full-size 3G artificial pitch, multi-use games area and courts for basketball, netball, tennis and football; performing arts, dance and fitness studios; art, graphic and design workshops; science labs; a multi-purpose dining/assembly hall; and ample outdoor recreational space. In line with Windsor Academy Trust’s sustainability strategy, the school will also have its own eco-hub with a woodland and habitat area for students to learn about conservation and building sustainable environments for future generations. 

For further information, please visit www.windsorolympusacademy.org.uk  

Photo caption: (L-R) Savvas Charalambous (BAM), Sally-Jo Wilkinson (WAT), Rt Hon John Spellar MP and Dawn Haywood (WAT).