Grove Park School in Crowborough which is set to get a new £17million school building has been renamed “Acre Wood” after becoming an academy.
The school, which provides for pupils aged 4–19 with a wide range of special educational needs, has become part of London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) and has described the move as “the start of a new era”.
Academy
Earlier this year plans were approved for a huge £17million redevelopment of the school which will enable primary and secondary pupils to be located on the same site in Church Road. And now it has announced that the Govt has approved its application to be an academy run by LSEAT.
LSEAT was chosen because of its proven track record and expertise in both SEND and school improvement. The Trust has rapidly turned around several failing schools across London and the South East, with a commitment to ensuring the best possible education and care for pupils.
Improvement plan
The Trust has been working with the school’s Interim Executive Board (IEB) and the Local Authority for several months, appointing a new Head (who took up her post in January 2025) and implementing a robust school improvement plan. Consultation and planning with staff and parents/carers have also been undertaken to ensure a smooth transition – including the school’s new name.
An Interim Executive Board (IEB) is a temporary governing body appointed to replace a school’s existing governing body, typically when a school is facing significant challenges or requires improvement. The IEB provides interim expertise and governance to support future improvements in the school, with a focus on accelerating improvement in standards and attainment.
Hundred Acre Wood
Acre Wood Academy has been chosen as the school’s new name to reflect the link to ‘Hundred Acre Wood’ on Ashdown Forest – the setting for AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh stories.
Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Acre Wood Academy into our Trust, along with its dedicated staff, supportive families and amazing pupils.
“As a Trust, we are committed to transforming lives through the power of learning – by ensuring that every child gets the education and opportunities they need to thrive. We achieve this aim through our high performing network of schools, which offer expertise, share best practice and support one another.
“We also recognise and celebrate the individuality of every school, understanding that they know their communities the best and what works for pupils – and this is certainly the case for Acre Wood.
Exciting journey
“We very much appreciate the support from both the DfE and East Sussex County Council, which has ensured a smooth transition for the school, it’s pupils and families over the last few months. We look forward to working with the Head and her team to support the school’s exciting journey of growth and improvement moving forward.”
Cllr Bob Standley, lead member for education and inclusion, special educational needs and disability at East Sussex County Council, said: “We are extremely pleased that the newly named Acre Wood Academy is joining LSEAT.
“The county council has been working closely with the school and the Interim Executive Board on the transition, and we are confident being part of this strong trust will ensure the school continues its improvement journey to the benefit of all pupils.”
New era
Ali Causton, Headteacher at Acre Wood Academy, added: “This is a really exciting moment for our school. Becoming part of London South East Academies Trust marks the start of a new era for us – one that brings huge potential for staff and pupils.
“We are confident that being part of a values-driven Trust will enable us to continue improving outcomes for our pupils. W are incredibly grateful for the support of our staff, parents and carers throughout this process and look forward to the journey ahead.”
Anne Allison, Chair of the Interim Executive Board for Grove Park School and now Chair of the School’s new Governing Board added:
“As a Board, we are committed to inclusive and high-quality education. This transfer into LSEAT secures the future of our school and will ensure that it can continue to effectively support young people with the most complex needs.”
Acre Wood is the 14th school to join LSEAT’s growing network. Comprising mainstream, special and alternative provision settings, together with an outreach service and music hub, the Trust delivers high quality inclusive education to children and young people across the region – with schools in Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth, Surrey and now East Sussex.