I am delighted to welcome you to Whaley Thorns Primary School. It is a privilege to serve as Principal of such a caring, committed, and ambitious school community.

At Whaley Thorns, we believe that every child deserves the very best start in life. Our vision is simple: to provide an excellent education for all pupils, enriched by meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity, develop confidence, and prepare children for the next stage of their journey. We want our pupils to leave us not only with strong academic foundations, but also with a clear sense of who they are, what they enjoy, and what they are capable of achieving.

I have had the pleasure of teaching across all primary phases – from Early Years through to Key Stage 2 – and bring with me a wealth of experience in school improvement. This has given me a deep understanding of how children learn and develop over time, and how to support staff in delivering high-quality teaching that meets every child's needs. I am passionate about inclusion and believe that all children – regardless of their starting points or circumstances – can thrive in the right environment.

At the heart of our approach is a rich and balanced curriculum, with reading as its foundation. We place high value on personal development, pupil voice, emotional wellbeing and outdoor learning. We want our children to be kind, resilient and aspirational – and to leave Whaley Thorns ready to succeed in life and learning.

We are also a school that recognises the power of strong partnerships – with parents, carers, external professionals and the wider community. We know that the best outcomes happen when we work together in the interests of children, and we are proud to be part of TEAM Education Trust, sharing expertise and innovation across schools.

As a leader, I value honesty, loyalty and collective responsibility. I believe every role in school matters, and that we are most effective when everyone understands the part they play and feels respected and supported in it. We are a school that continually looks to improve, driven by what is right for children and rooted in educational research.

I am also a parent, and I understand how important school life is to family life. Relationships, communication and empathy are at the core of everything we do. My door is always open, and I look forward to working in partnership with you to ensure the very best outcomes for all our children.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website – and I hope you enjoy learning more about our wonderful school.

Warm regards,
Joanna Crook
Principal, Whaley Thorns Primary School