Principal's Welcome

At Barnes Wallis Academy, we are committed to providing a world class education for all of our students, academically and pastorally.

Welcome to BWA.

We are a proudly small school with a big heart, rooted in a strong and supportive community where every student is known, valued and encouraged to succeed. Our size allows us to build meaningful relationships and ensures that every young person feels a genuine sense of belonging from the moment they join us.

At the centre of our academy is the Barnes Wallis Way, shaped by our core values of Ambition, Aspiration, Courage, Respect and Expression. These values are not simply displayed—they are lived each day in everything we do:

• Ambition drives us to set high expectations and strive for excellence in all aspects of school life.
• Aspiration inspires our students to dream big, broadening their horizons and raising their belief in what they can achieve.
• Courage supports students to take risks in their learning, to persevere and to grow in confidence.
• Respect underpins our inclusive culture, ensuring that every member of our community feels safe, valued and supported.
• Expression encourages individuality, creativity and student voice, allowing every young person to be heard and understood.

These values sit alongside and complement the British values at the heart of life in modern Britain—democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs—helping our students grow into responsible, thoughtful and active citizens.

Through this shared framework, we create a calm, purposeful and inclusive environment where all students can thrive and achieve their personal best.

We are ambitious for every student and believe that all young people deserve access to a high-quality education that challenges and supports them in equal measure. Our curriculum is designed not only to secure strong academic outcomes, but also to broaden horizons through a wide range of opportunities and experiences. Whether through enrichment, leadership, sport, the arts or wider learning beyond the classroom, we ensure that every student can discover their passions, develop new skills and see the possibilities open to them.

What makes BWA truly special is our sense of community. As a small school, we know our students and families well and work in close partnership to support every individual. This strong sense of belonging, combined with the opportunities we provide, enables our students to grow into confident, well-rounded young people who are prepared for their futures.

If you are looking for a school where your child will be truly known—where high expectations are matched with genuine care, and where a strong curriculum is enriched by experiences that broaden horizons—then BWA is the right place.

We are proud to be a small school with a big heart, committed to helping every student succeed.

I look forward to welcoming you into our Barnes Wallis community.

Charlotte Dunsford