Wood Ley is a school with a growing population on the Chilton Hall Estate, north west of the town centre. The school was built in 1989 and is situated in attractive grounds. The Foundation Stage area is a purpose-built extension – opened in 2007 – forming a key part of the planned second phase for Wood Ley School to accommodate the increasing number of pupils living in the area.
In 2014 the new UKS2 building was opened for our year 5 and 6 pupils.
The present pupil number on roll number is 307. There are 12 full time equivalent teachers supported by 20 part time Teaching Assistants. The pupil admission number is 45 for each year group. In the Foundation Stage there are two classes. In Key Stages One there are three classes, one for year 1, one for year 2 and a mixed year 1-2 class. Lower Key Stage Two has three classes, one year 3 class, one year 4 class and a mixed year 3-4 class. Upper Key Stage Two has four classes, two year 5 classes and two year 6 classes.
The school day is organised as follows:
8.40am – Start of the school day
8.50am – Registration
9.00am – Lessons begin
10.00am – Assembly 9KS2) Break time KS1
10.15 – 10.30am Break time KS2 Assembly KS1
11.55am – 1.00pm – Foundation Stage Lunch
12.00noon – 1.00pm – KS1 Lunch
12.20 – 1.10pm – Lower Key Stage 2 Lunch
12.30 – 1.20pm – Upper Key Stage 2 Lunch
2.15 – 2.30pm – KS1 Break
3.20pm – End of school day
(33 hours and 20 minutes per week)
The staff at Wood Ley School are friendly and form a very effective team, who provide an exciting and creative environment for the pupils. The Governing Body is very supportive and enthusiastic in their role. Staff, Governors and Sports Specialists currently run clubs after school for six-week blocks. Liaison with the Stowmarket Primary Schools and High School is strong. Wood Ley School is also a member of the Gipping Valley Partnership.
Wood Ley School is part of the School Organisation Review, designed to change the pattern of schools in the Stowmarket and Stowupland area from a three-tier to a two-tier system. With effect from September 2014, children remained at Wood Ley School for years’ 5 and 6 of their education, transferring to High School at age 11.
The Ofsted Inspection carried out in February 2021 confirmed that Wood Ley is still a ‘Good’ school. In addition the School has twice been awarded the Quality Mark, Healthy Schools Award and received the Artsmark in March 2012. School of Sanctuary Award in 2023 , Eco Schools Platinum Award and Gold Sports Award in 2024.