Widey Court has been many other forms during its long history. Widey dates back to the Doomsday Book and derives its name from the withy beds that used to grow on the original site. Its main claim to fame is that Charles I stayed there during the Civil War, issuing a proclamation for Plymouth to surrender to him, with his nephew Prince Maurice commanding his troops. Part of the house (the ballroom) was used as a makeshift hospital ward for Royalist casualties during the Siege of Plymouth and the Battle of Freedom Fields.
The main building today was where the Manor House stood and the badge of the school represents the three original trees from the Civil War period and the Crown depicts King Charles I. The school’s name (Widey Court) was bestowed by Charles I to signify that the Royal Court had been located there, and a thank you to the Heales – who owned the Manor House.
The school today takes their house names from this historical story: -
Maurice (blue) Prince Maurice
Widey (yellow) Widey Manor
Heale (red) Squire Heale & family
Charles (green) King Charles I
Brief Summary
Widey Court Primary School opened in 1963, it is a 4-11 primary school situated in a pleasant area of Plymouth within a supportive community. The school is in an historic site in a beautiful environment serving a popular suburb approximately 3 miles to the north of the city’s business and shopping centre.
The main building comprises 15 classrooms, computing suite, a general purpose hall which is adjacent to the school kitchen, staffroom and administration areas.
Our KS1 block consists of 8 classrooms with outside play areas and disabled toilet facilities.
The Reception area has been enhanced considerably. The installation of a lift and toilet facilities for the disabled are sited in the main building and access is enabled by ramps to the whole school site – except the Library – is now available to those who are disabled, in a wheelchair or having difficulty climbing steps.
EYFS reception classrooms provide spacious rooms and the external areas adjacent to these classrooms have been developed to provide hard and soft play areas.