Sent to parents and carers of Year 8 students on 29/5/25
Introduction to Head of Year 8 & Assistant Head of Year
I would like to introduce myself as the Head of Year of Year 8 for Summer Term 2 at Westbourne Academy and future Head of Year 9 in September 2025. Joining me, as the Assistant Head of Year 8, is Miss McKnight-Shaw who has been the Pastoral Lead for Ramsey since September 2023.
My aim is to ensure that all students in the year group achieve not only their academic goals but also develop the respect, accountability and character that will serve them well both in school and in their future. I will be focusing on promoting a positive culture of respect, kindness and accountability in every aspect of school life.
I have worked at Westbourne Academy for over 11 years, supporting students in a variety of different roles including Head of Churchill House. To me, Westbourne has always been a community school that, at its best, has the school and parents/carers working together for the benefit of the young people and the community that we serve.
Key areas to success are students attending the academy and lessons punctually, focussing on work within the classroom and behaving to a high standard. I aim to take a proactive approach to address any barriers to learning and attendance, ensuring students have the opportunity to engage positively in their education and make the most of their time at Westbourne.
Whilst I have worked with some students in the year group already, I will be learning what is going well and areas of focus that are needed across the year group. If you wish to discuss anything with me, please feel free to contact me and we can arrange to meet. Or if you would prefer an arranged call please email me on matthew.agate@attrust.org.uk
Below is a list of the respective Year 8 tutor groups as well as their Principal Tutors and tutor bases. Staff who will be acting as Associate Tutors for Year 8 are currently being assigned to tutor groups for the next half term and this information will follow as and when it is confirmed.
We look forward to working with you to ensure that your child has a successful year and future at Westbourne.
Kind regards
Mr M Agate
Head of Year 8
Email: matthew.agate@attrust.org.uk
&
Miss S McKnight-Shaw
Assistant Head of Year 8
Email: shaffron.mcknight-s@attrust.org.uk
Academy vision: Westbourne is an inclusive academy. We support all students, regardless of starting point, to achieve their potential and develop the skills necessary for employment and life.
Academy values: Be Safe, Be Thoughtful, Be Accountable and Be Respectful.
General queries to: wes-office@attrust.org.uk or 01473 742315
Attendance or Absence queries to: wes-attendance@attrust.org.uk
Exam queries to: anna.fulcher@attrust.org.uk
MCAS, online payments and data information queries to: wes-data@attrust.org.uk
Lettings queries to wes-lettings@attrust.org.uk
Safeguarding queries to wes-safe@attrust.org.uk
SEND queries to: opal.degville@attrust.org.uk