Welcome from the Head

Headteacher’s Welcome

We welcome you to our popular, single-form entry primary school in Shirley.  We are very proud of our pupils’ achievements throughout their journey with us, which is brought about by our children’s attitude to learning, the dedication and commitment of our teachers, support staff and governors and the on-going support of our parents and carers.

As a small school, everyone at Orchard Way takes pride in our community. It is a pleasure to greet every child by name in the morning and watch them leave with a smile on their face ready for their next adventure at the end of Year 6. Children at Orchard Way are developed as individuals and relationships are at the heart of what we do. Everyone matters at Orchard Way.

The school values underpin our ethos: open-mindedness, respect, courage, honesty, achievement, resilience and determination. Children are encouraged to approach their learning and individual development with these values in mind. We aim to provide an engaging curriculum that is broad and balanced which prepares them for their transition to their secondary education and further into the future. Our goal is to make confident, happy children who are willing to take risks.

We are an inclusive school and celebrate the diversity of our community and beyond.  In 2019 our school was awarded the International Schools Award through the British Council and we use assemblies and our curriculum to develop pupils’ understanding and tolerance of issues relating to the world in which we live.

It is an exciting time for Orchard Way Primary School. In April 2022, we joined the South Orpington Learning Alliance Multi-Academy Trust, a family of schools with shared values who are at the heart of their communities. The Trust was formed in 2016 and includes Chelsfield Primary School, Darrick Wood Junior School, The Highway Primary School, Pratts Bottom Primary School, Tubbenden Primary School and Green Street Green Primary School. The aim of the group is to maximise the learning for our children by sharing expertise and resources.

Stacey Taylor

Headteacher

Orchard Way Primary School