As part of a monthly series, we're delighted to follow Benjamin Barker's journey to the opening of King's Leadership Academy Wavertree, Liverpool
December 2024
As we edge closer to opening Liverpool’s newest secondary school in September 2025, the excitement continues to build here at King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree. This month has been packed with progress, partnerships, and plans, and we’re delighted to share the latest highlights from our journey with you.
Our admissions process remains a unique opportunity for families across Liverpool. With the potential for two offers on National Offer Day—one through the local council and one directly from us—families can weigh their options and choose the best fit for their child. Applications are still open, and we encourage parents to explore what we have to offer by completing our online admissions form.
In November, we hosted the CredimusAI conference at our sister school in Warrington. This was a landmark event where educators from across the region came together to explore how artificial intelligence can transform teaching and learning. From breakout sessions to practical demonstrations, attendees were introduced to CredimusAI, a pioneering platform that will be integral to life at King’s Wavertree. Designed to streamline communication, reduce staff workload, and support students academically, this innovative tool is set to make a real impact from day one.
Our Principal, Mr. Barker, has been busy spreading the word about our vision for education. A recent appearance on Liverpool Live Radio gave him the chance to share how King’s Wavertree will leverage technology to support parents, students, and staff alike. Closer to home, a meeting with Dr. Natalie Kenny, CEO of BioGrad Education, opened the door to exciting collaborations in science and medical education, showcasing how our school will benefit from local partnerships with leaders in these fields.
The past month has also been an opportunity to learn from others and share our own expertise. We were proud to welcome delegates from the Hong Kong Education Bureau to Warrington, where discussions centered around how AI is transforming special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.
Our leadership team also travelled to London to visit St. Thomas the Apostle School, where insights into their remarkable school turnaround have inspired new ideas for building a culture of high expectations and student success here at King’s Wavertree.
On the construction front, we’re thrilled that the Department for Education has received permission to work with a preferred contractor for our temporary site.
Pictured: Guests from the Hong Kong Education Bureau & Benjamin Barker
Engagement meetings are set to begin this month, marking a significant milestone as we prepare our physical space for September 2025. It’s all starting to feel very real, and we can’t wait to see our vision take shape brick by brick.
For prospective families, our open evenings continue to generate buzz, with sold-out sessions providing valuable opportunities to meet our team and learn more about what makes King’s Wavertree unique. With just one session left for February, we encourage families to book quickly to secure their place. Even beyond these events, we’re always keen to connect with local groups and communities to share our vision, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you’d like to arrange a visit or a presentation.
Finally, a note on governance. We’re committed to ensuring that King’s Wavertree is firmly rooted in its community, and our Local Academy Council will play a pivotal role in achieving this. Comprising parents, staff, and community representatives, the council will serve as the school’s critical friend, offering support and challenge to ensure we deliver on our promises. If you’re passionate about shaping the future of education in Liverpool, we’d love to hear from you.
As always, thank you for your interest in King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree. Whether through our newsletters, social media, or events, we’re grateful for the opportunity to share our journey with you. Stay tuned for more updates next month as we continue to build something extraordinary together.
King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree is founded on international research and traditional values with a huge focus on leadership and academic development.
At King’s, the vision is “To develop in each of our students the academic skills, intellectual habits, qualities of character and leadership traits necessary to succeed at all levels and become successful citizens in tomorrow’s world”.
King’s Leadership Academy Wavertree are a proud member of the Great Schools Trust family of schools, a values-led Trust that wants their children to believe in themselves and develop the character traits necessary to make a difference in society.
Stay connected by following our progress on social media and attending our upcoming events.
