Press Release
23rd June 2025
FORMAL CONSULTATION TO BEGIN FOR EAST WICHEL PRIMARY SCHOOL & NURSERY TO JOIN LIFT SCHOOLS
++ SCHOOL LEADERS SAY DECISION IS “JOINING A NETWORK OF LIKE MINDED SCHOOLS WHO ARE AMBITIOUS FOR OUR PUPILS” ++
The Governing Body and Headteacher of East Wichel Community Primary School & Nursery have launched a formal consultation on a proposal for the school to join Lift Schools—a national trust of 57 primary, secondary, and special schools.
The formal consultation will run from Tuesday 24 June to Wednesday 16 July 2025. Subject to the outcome of the consultation and approval by the Department for Education, East Wichel would formally join Lift Schools in January 2026.
East Wichel Primary School, located in the heart of Wichelstowe, South Swindon, has been named Primary School of the Year at the prestigious 2025 TES Awards. This national recognition follows the school’s Outstanding Ofsted judgement in all areas in 2022, and further recognises its reputation as a high-performing, inclusive setting for children and families.
The school had been shortlisted in two categories—Primary School of the Year and EYFS Setting of the Year—and impressed judges with its caring ethos, high-quality teaching, and strong relationships with the local community. This award is a tremendous accolade for East Wichel and a proud moment for the entire school and its community.
Over the past year, the school’s Headteacher and Governing Body has been reviewing how best to sustain and build on the successes. The school is forward thinking and outward facing and keen to continue to go from strength to strength. As more schools across Swindon have recently joined academy trusts, there is now reduced school improvement capacity available from Swindon Borough Council. Following a period of detailed research, school visits, and meetings with various academy trusts, governors identified Lift Schools as the most suitable partner for East Wichel and are now formally consulting on a proposal to join Lift Schools.
Lift Schools is a national trust led by former headteacher Becks Boomer-Clark, and is known for its inclusive practice, commitment to localism, and strong educational outcomes. Governors and leaders have emphasised that any move to join a trust must reflect East Wichel’s values—ensuring continued high standards while preserving the school’s distinctive character and commitment to the local community.
The decision to consult follows extensive engagement with a range of trusts. After thorough evaluation, governors felt Lift Schools stood out as sharing the same ethos and values at East Wichel, offering a collaborative culture, strong local presence, and proven expertise in both school improvement and inclusive practice.
Laura Parnham and Matthew Corps, Co-Chairs of Governors, issued the following joint statement:
“East Wichel is a school we are incredibly proud of—a school rooted in values, inclusion, and high expectations. The achievements of our staff and pupils in recent years, under the inspirational leadership of Paula Phillips, have been exceptional, and our priority is ensuring that this success is built upon as the school continues to go from strength to strength.
“Joining Lift Schools would give East Wichel access to a wider professional network, deeper school improvement expertise, and more opportunities for staff development, all while protecting the unique identity and ethos that makes our school so special.”
Becks Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools, said:
“We’re very pleased that East Wichel’s governors have taken the next step toward joining Lift Schools. East Wichel is an excellent school with a strong team, a powerful sense of purpose, and a deep commitment to inclusion, all of which are central to our mission as a trust. We look forward to hearing the results of the consultation and continuing to work closely with the school community in the weeks ahead.”
If the proposal goes ahead, East Wichel would join Hazelwood Academy in Toothill as part of Lift’s South West region. The two schools already share a close working relationship and a shared commitment to excellence and inclusion.