Northampton academy transforms sixth form with 160 laptops and new university partnership
Students at a Northampton sixth form are set to benefit from major investment, new university partnerships and enhanced academic support as the academy launches an ambitious new vision for post-16 education.
Weston Favell Academy has introduced a package of improvements designed to help more students progress to university, apprenticeships and employment, with the changes coming into effect at the start of the new academic year.
The plans also coincide with the arrival of new head of sixth form Naomi Francis, an experienced post-16 leader who has previously led sixth form and SEND provision across Northampton.
The academy, which is part of Greenwood Academies Trust, has invested in dedicated sixth form study and breakout spaces, four new IT suites, more than 160 student laptops and new classroom screens and equipment.
Alongside the investment in facilities, students will also receive additional support through a dedicated team of academic tutors, alongside extra pastoral and administrative support.
A key part of the new offer is a partnership with education charity The Elephant Group, which helps academically talented young people gain access to leading universities.
Through the partnership, students will be able to access tutoring, seminars and mentoring, as well as opportunities to attend summer schools at Russell Group universities free of charge.
The academy has also strengthened pathways for students planning to move into apprenticeships or employment through a partnership with Amazon, which has invested £10,000 to help expand educational opportunities.
Naomi said: “There is a huge amount of potential among the young people at Weston Favell Academy and my ambition is to make sure every student continues to have the support and opportunities they need to realise it.
“That means being ambitious about where our students can go next. For some that could be one of the country’s leading universities, while for others it might be a degree apprenticeship, vocational route or employment.
“The investment we have made in our facilities is important, but equally exciting is what we are building around our students – from academic tutoring and pastoral support to university experiences, employer partnerships and mentoring.
“This will all help our brilliant students recognise and realise their potential and I look forward to supporting them on this journey.”