Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

After the Second World War ended in 1945, Wootton Bassett’s population increased from the estimated 2,800 residents. Wootton Bassett was a dormitory town for Swindon, which saw rapid expansion in the post-war years and several new housing estates. The growth of Lyneham encouraged more shops and businesses to open in Wootton Bassett, and the planned motorway system brought the M4 directly between Swindon and Wootton Bassett.   The Wootton Bassett County Secondary School opened on Wednesday, 8th January 1958, with 279 pupils aged 11 and above, transferred from the two local all age schools and six schools in local villages. Most areas at that time had all age schools; Purton continued to have an all age school until 1962.   There were thirteen staff (eight men and five women) together with the headmaster, Mr F W King. A short service in the assembly hall was conducted by the vicar, the Rev J Goodman, and the Methodist minister, the Rev F Willcox, both governors, to start the first term.