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Willow Bank Infant School

Headteacher:
Mrs Nicki Taylor-Dickens

About the School

Willow Bank Infant School is a small, family-oriented school for children aged 4 to 7, located at the heart of its community.

The school shares its site with its sister school, Willow Bank Junior School, creating a strong foundation for children's transition through their primary education.

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum enriched with a range of memorable learning experiences and 'wow' moments that help children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for the next stage of their education. Alongside academic learning, there is a strong focus on helping children become kind, caring and socially aware individuals.

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A distinctive part of school life is Willow Bank's commitment to play. The school is proud of its vision that every child should have an hour of play every day, with no exceptions, supported through its work with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning). This commitment was recognised in 2026 when the school achieved the OPAL Platinum Award, recognising its exceptional provision for play and outdoor learning.

Everything the school does is underpinned by its six core values: Kindness, Respect, Resilience, Community, Independence and Bravery. These values help children develop positive relationships, confidence and a love of learning from the very start of their school journey.


Why we joined the OLA

Willow Bank Infant School joined the Orchard Learning Alliance because, through its involvement in local school partnerships, it had already experienced the benefits of collaboration, shared expertise and professional support. Joining the Trust provided an opportunity to strengthen these relationships as part of a wider family of schools.

Being part of the Orchard Learning Alliance enables the school to benefit from a broader network of support, challenge and teamwork, while continuing to serve its local community and maintain the values and ethos that make Willow Bank unique.

 

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The school looks forward to the opportunities that come from working alongside other schools within the Trust, sharing ideas and expertise to ensure the very best outcomes for all children.

Address
Duffield Road, Woodley, Reading, Berkshire, RG5 4RW

Our Schools

Churchend Primary Academy

"Our educational journey embraces values of care, respect, positivity, aim high, resilience and responsibility. Our learning environment is inspiring."
Mrs Lou Slocombe, Headteacher
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Hawkedon Primary School

"Hawkedon’s vision is for children to develop into confident, caring, lifelong learners and to ensure that we provide all opportunities possible."
Executive Head: Mrs Elaine Hughes, Head of School: Ms Laura Barnes
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Highwood Primary School

"Our ethos is to focus on every child being happy at Highwood; to help them make progress and achieve their own ambitions."
Executive Head: Mr Matt Hickey, Head of School: Mrs Roxanne Welsh
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Hillside Primary School

"Whilst having high expectations for everyone, Hillside works hard to ensure it develops and nurtures the whole child, inspiring and encouraging."
Mr Dan Pearman, Headteacher
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Lambs Lane Primary School

"We have high expectations of the whole school community and challenge everybody, whatever their role, to Reach Out and Shine."
Executive Head: Mrs Elaine Hughes, Head of School: Mrs Stephanie Meikle
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Radstock Primary School

"We are an inclusive school, where all pupils’ achievements are celebrated and where an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect is embedded."
Mrs Li-Juan Ellerton, Headteacher
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South Lake Primary School

"At South Lake Primary School we are committed to equity and justice. We aim for every pupil to fulfil their potential, no matter what their needs."
Executive Head: Mr Matt Hickey, Head of School: Sam Hamer
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Waingels

"We are proud to be part of an Alliance that is committed to transforming the life chances for all."
Mrs Lindsey Humber, Headteacher
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Willow Bank Infant School

"We are very proud of our vision that every child should get an hour of play every day with no exceptions."
Mrs Nicki Taylor-Dickens, Headteacher
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Willow Bank Junior School

"Our goal is to equip our pupils with the knowledge and skills they need for the next part of their education journey and for wider life."
Mrs Annie Hanson, Headteacher
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Churchend Primary Academy
Hawkedon Primary School
Highwood Primary School
Hillside Primary School
Lambs Lane Primary School
Radstock Primary School
South Lake Primary School
Waingels
Willow Bank Infant School
Willow Bank Junior School