Royal approval for John Willmott project as VIPs visit

The ongoing rebirth of John Willmott School received Royal approval last week, when His Majesty the King’s representative visited to meet staff and pupils and hear about future plans.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Jenny Loynton, said she had been ‘hugely impressed’ after her visit to the school, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP).

During the visit, on Thursday May 11^th, Mrs Loynton heard about plans to rename John Willmott the ‘Royal Sutton School’, as well as the impressive system of ‘Moral Virtues’ which are helping to transform the culture of the school in Reddicap Heath Road.

Sutton Reddicap councillor Richard Parkin also joined the visit, meeting students who were about to head out into the local area to take part in a litter pick – one of the many community activities being developed at the school.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jenny Loynton said: “I have been hugely impressed by the students who have taken onboard what the meaning of these virtues are. For me, as the Governor of another school, this has opened my eyes as to what else students can do.

“Mrs Gould has done brilliant work to bring so much to this school and to inspire these kids – you can see in their eyes how engaged they are.

“I spoke to some of the Year 7 children before they went out on their litter pick and I was so impressed by just how mature and organised they were.”

Since the end of lockdown John Willmott has unveiled a number of schemes aimed at raising students’ aspirations and building spirit with the school.

Alongside the character virtues, it has worked to develop behaviour and pastoral systems, while also evolving the curriculum.

A consultation into the potential change of name to ‘The Royal Sutton School’ has now closed, while plans have also been unveiled for a new badge and redesigned uniform. The building’s interiors are already being decorated with inspirational quotes from historic figures.

Headteacher Nicola Gould revealed that the consultation into the change of name had provoked a strong response, with nearly 500 replies that overwhelmingly backed adopting the new ‘Royal’ title.

The results of the consultation will be shared with ATLP Trustees, who will make the final decision on the change. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant threw her support behind the idea, too.

She said:

“I fully support the change of name and I will be sending a message to the Lord Lieutenant which hopefully he’ll pass on to His Majesty – and we sincerely hope that a member of the Royal family will come to Sutton Coldfield and officially open the school once it has its new name!”

During their visit, the VIPs also toured classrooms, where students were learning about the Coronation and the Monarchy.

Councillor Parkin said: “I’ve been into the school many times and met Mrs Gould and I think what she’s looking to do here is great.

“The school is really going places and the moral virtues in particular that they are instilling are not only improving the confidence and self-esteem of the students, they are building strong links with the community too.

“I’ve been out on litter picks with some of the kids and local residents will tell you that these activities are really appreciated.

“John Willmott is on a journey, and the changes that are being made are ensuring that the community is being brought along too.”

Headteacher Mrs Gould said: “I want to thank both of our visitors for making time in their busy schedule to come and see what we are doing here in the school.

“It was wonderful to showcase our school to Deputy Lord Lieutenant and share the ambition that we have for each and every one of your children.

“It was inspirational for the students to meet her and understand her position in relation to the monarchy.

“It’s important that they learn how society and its institutions work, so they can see the bigger picture, and understand the role each person plays. It’s then our job to transfer that understanding back into school, because every child has a role to play here.

“It’s about putting our virtues into practice every day, in every lesson, in every interaction. I think the Deputy Lord Lieutenant was impressed because she could see how that was working, and how we are forming well-rounded individuals who have the confidence to make a difference to society.”

Captions:

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Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Jenny Loynton, Headteacher Nicola Gould and Sutton Reddicap councillor Richard Parkin with Year 7 litter pcikers at John Willmott School.

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Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Jenny Loynton, Headteacher Nicola Gould and Sutton Reddicap councillor Richard Parkin.

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Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Jenny Loynton talsk to John Willmott pupils.

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The VIPs look in on lessons at the school.