Headteacher's Welcome
It is a genuine privilege to be the Headteacher at West Newcastle Academy and start a new chapter with everyone connected to our learning community. Our dedicated team nurture and lead with skill and human heartedness to ensure our incredible children receive the unique offer that our school provides.
Since beginning as Head teacher in January 2026, I have immersed myself in the life of the school, connecting with our children, families, team and governors in order to really know the qualities and attributes of this special place.
Inspired by Reggio Emilia and Danish pre‐schools, West Newcastle Academy is a school like no other. The only 'Free School' in the City of Newcastle Upon Tyne, our school is a single academy trust with established roots and supportive branches to the community of Benwell. At West Newcastle Academy, everyone is known by their first name to strengthen horizontal relationships based on equality, mutual respect, and cooperation.
Our Early Years and Year 1 are nested in the forest of Benwell Nature Park where outdoor learning takes place for 40% of the learning week. Our children in the main school access outdoor learning in addition to our rich and balanced curriculum.
Our 'Family Style' lunchtimes are special and central to our day where children and our team share food; naturally strengthening relationships through conversation and connection.Tidying up is everyone's responsibility too.
At West Newcastle Academy, our purpose is to nurture curious and creative minds, strong characters, independent thinkers and loving humans in a culture that allows mistakes, failure and experimentation whilst consciously promoting belonging, equity and inclusion.
Our process builds:
- Connections to self
- Connections to a wide variety of environments
- Connections to family, peers, our team and community
- Connections to learning for life
If you have any questions or are wishing to connect, please contact me via email: ben@westnewcastleacademy.org or by phone on 0191 2739477
Kindest Regards,
Ben Wassall- Headteacher
