Welcome from the Principal

A very warm welcome to The Open Academy.

I am delighted to be joining this wonderful community as Principal, and to have the opportunity to lead the academy into its next exciting chapter. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to witness the transformative power education has to change lives, building not only knowledge but also confidence, resilience, and character.

What drew me to The Open Academy is the care, ambition, and sense of belonging that runs through the school. As a Church of England academy, we are rooted in the belief that every young person deserves to experience “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Our values — Respect, Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, and Perseverance — guide how we work together, ensuring that every student is nurtured, challenged, and supported to be their very best.

We are a community that welcomes everyone, whether from a Christian background, another faith, or no faith at all. What matters to us is that every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.
Joining such a welcoming community has reminded me that we are all called to serve with humility, courage, and a heart for others, trusting that through faith and hard work, we can shape a brighter future together.

I will focus on ensuring that every child continues to thrive academically, personally, and socially — so they leave school well-equipped to pursue their goals and make a positive impact in the world.

Whether you are a current parent, a prospective family, or simply curious about what we do, I warmly invite you to come and visit us. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months, and working together to make The Open Academy a place where every child can flourish.

Dan Bagshaw
Principal