Trowbridge primary school to change its name in the Spring

The Oasis Academy Longmeadow primary school in Broadcloth Lane is to be renamed Willowbrook Primary School in the Spring when the transfer goes ahead.

At its latest Ofsted inspection in March 2022, the school was upgraded to 'good' from 'requires improvement'.

The school says the name change will help its staff and more than 115 pupils to celebrate the next phase in its journey.

They will work in partnership to complete the transfer from Oasis Community Learning to the Acorn Education Trust.

Oasis Academy Longmeadow is to join the Acorn Education Trust next year. Photo: Trevor Porter 70387-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Acorn Education Trust is made up of 17 academies in Wiltshire all working towards a shared vision to ‘Prepare young people for their world in their time.

The Trust was identified by the DoE as having in-depth knowledge about the community and the local expertise to support leaders in continuing the academy's success and delivering a high standard of education for its pupils.

The new name, decided in consultation with all staff, was selected as it reflects the school’s history and place in the local community.

It highlights the willow garden on the school grounds, planted in memory of former headteacher Caroline Cox, and the school’s proximity to the local brook.

The Oasis Academy Longmeadow Memorial Garden. (Image: Acorn Education Trust)

Acorn Education Trust chief executive officer Sara Edwards said: “The new name marks a new chapter in the school’s journey, celebrates its identity and its commitment to continue to grow and flourish.

“We look forward to welcoming Willowbrook Primary School into our family and working with the local community and parents to build on the academy’s success.”

Pupils have helped to tend the Willow Memorial Garden at the school. (Image: Acorn Education Trust)

John Barneby, interim chief executive officer of Oasis Community Learning, said: “As a trust, we put the interests of our students and their families first, which is why we have made the decision to transfer Oasis Academy Longmeadow to Acorn Education Trust.

“We believe Acorn Education Trust is best placed to continue the academy’s progress and development as an Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ school.

“We are extremely proud to have been part of the academy’s journey from ‘requires improvement’ to now being a ‘good’ school and look forward to seeing the school continue to thrive as Willowbrook Primary School.”

There will be no expectation for parents to purchase new uniforms and the current branding will be phased out over time, the Acorn Education Trust said.