Walton High School, Milton Keynes

Walton High is an academy school in the Walnut Tree district of south-east Milton Keynes and a part of the Milton Keynes Education Trust.^[2] Walton High is a well-equipped school, which boasts a computer suite or "ILA" (computers at the school are operated in partnership with Viglen^[3]), performing arts block and theatre, Art & Design Technology Block, and a sports pavilion. As of January 2010 there were 1,461 pupils.^[4]

The school has consistently high Ofsted reports, the most recent of which was "Outstanding".^[5]

Walton High was opened on 1 September 1999. Founding Principal Roy Blatchford was the school's first head and the first intake had 120 pupils enrolled into the school. Since this time it has grown considerably to over 1,400 pupils, including the sixth form.

In September 2000, a new Art and Design Technology block was added to the site to accommodate new pupils and provide new learning opportunities. It contains, among other facilities, workshops, food technology rooms, a specialised textiles room and art rooms.

In September 2004, a temporary 6th Form area, new Cafe and a new sports hall were added to the campus along with approximately twenty new classrooms and a new library area.

In late 2006 plans for a new "state of the art" 6th form area to replace the temporary one, and a sports pavilion/dance studio (including a bar) were approved to be added onto the adjoining grass land and were recently built. The pavilion is at the head of a series of astroturf pitches, currently operated under the Powerleague franchise.^[6] There were also plans for a large theatre to improve the performing arts facilities, known as "The Venue". Both of these projects are now complete, the latter as of May 2011, which opened with a showing of Hairspray.^[7] This building now houses the English and Performing Arts departments.

The pupils at the school are divided into a system of four houses, representing the Classical Elements: Air, Earth, Water and Fire. These teams compete each year at Sports Day and are also used to divide the pupils at the school into smaller sized groups. The school has strong global links: with Jamasi Methodist Junior High School in Ghana,^[8] Akrofonso D/A Junior High School, also in Ghana,^[9] as well as M. C. Kejriwal Vidyapeeth, in Kolkata, India.

Over the summer, and Autumn Term 2011, a new mezzanine floor has been added to the cafe area; thus significantly increasing available space.

A library^[10] can be found on the ground floor. It is open before school as well as at break times, lunch times and after school for students. The library is a light and open space, where students are welcome to come and browse. All the core text books are also available for loan here.

The school was previously a specialist Business and Enterprise College and had foundation status. Walton High converted to academy status on 1 July 2011.

From September 2016, Walton High will become a two campus school with the second campus in the Brooklands area of south-east Milton Keynes. This campus will open with years 7-9.^[11]

References

External links

• Official website