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.

The present pupil number on roll number is 290. There are 11 full time equivalent teachers supported by ten 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 mixed-aged classes. Lower Key Stage Two has three mixed-aged classes and Upper Key Stage Two has three mixed age 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

10.15 – 10.30am Break time

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. The Friends of  Wood Ley School are a thriving group of parents who organise fund raising and social events throughout the year. 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 will remain 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 2016 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.