The Kingsmead Trust has today (Monday) announced that Kingsmead School in Hoylake will partner with Oasis, a national charity whose work includes running schools, under the new name of Oasis Kingsmead.
Oasis Kingsmead will explore new opportunities to ensure Kingsmead continues its long history of serving children, young people, and the local community.
Kingsmead School, Hoylake, was founded by Arthur Watts in 1904. His vision was to create an environment which would be ideal for learning, a place of serenity and power inspired by Christian values which would deepen wisdom as well as knowledge and create good character along with the highest standards of education. For 116 years, Kingsmead School has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of pupils and their families and played an important part in the life of the Wirral. Kingsmead has been a transformative influence in the lives of countless young people throughout Merseyside and, indeed, all over the world.
Ever since the original school closed in 2020, the trustees have been determined to honour, preserve, and develop the legacy of Kingsmead. They have believed firmly that the Kingsmead site and all its educational heritage have a great future for the Wirral and beyond. With this in mind, and following discussions with a range of organisations, the trustees of Kingsmead School approached Oasis Charitable Trust – a national charity with a set of values that echo the founding purpose of Kingsmead in so many ways. Oasis has a remarkable track-record in innovation within state education and a deep desire to reach out to children on the margins and from every walk of life. A partnership with Oasis is the ideal way to take the Kingsmead vision forward in a way which meets the pressing needs of young people in the twenty-first century.
Hugh Bradby, the Chair of Kingsmead Trust, said:
“Following exploratory talks about working with us to build on the school’s legacy, we are pleased to announce that we have decided to invite Oasis to partner with us, and that under the new name of Oasis Kingsmead we have already begun to hold conversations with a range of possible partners and are looking to support children in Wirral as we explore various opportunities for the future.”
The Founder’s grandson, Murray Watts, a trustee whose father David was headmaster of Kingsmead from 1949 – 1979, said:
“I support this partnership wholeheartedly. I believe that this is the beginning of a wonderful new era for Kingsmead which will have a profound effect on the lives of many children.”
Steve Chalke, Founder of Oasis, said:
“Building on the legacy of Kingsmead’s rich history, we are excited by the opportunity to partner with Kingsmead and to work with local partners to serve children and young people, as well as the whole local community of Hoylake into the future.
“To that end, we are planning to welcome all who are interested to one of two public meetings in the early autumn, to provide more details and information about the future vision of Kingsmead. These will take place on 27th of September from 14:00 to 15:30 and then 18:30 to 20:00 at the school premises.”