Shrewsbury primary school reveals academy switch

Martin Wilson Primary School & Early Years Centre at Castlefields is looking forward to "a hugely exciting future" after agreeing to join Shrewsbury Academies Trust.

The school will become part of the trust in September, and will join existing members The Grange and Sundorne secondary schools, Grange Primary School, and Longlands Primary School in Market Drayton.

The school, whose governing body approved the move earlier this month, will continue to act independently.

But headteacher David Purslow said it can look forward to the support network offered by the trust.

The announcement comes after the Conservative Government unveiled plans for all schools to become academies this month.

Mr Purslow, who has been head of Martin Wilson for six years, said: "The atmosphere at the school is incredibly positive and we believe we have a hugely exciting future as an academy.

"I am sure that the staff, parents and children will welcome our new academy status and recognise that our commitment to top-level teaching and learning, and providing the best opportunities for our children, is greater than ever.

"While there will be no wholesale changes in the way the school operates, having the support and resources available from Shrewsbury Academies Trust will be invaluable.

"Many of our children go on to Sundorne School and the fact that we will both be members of Shrewsbury Academies Trust can only mean a smoother transition for pupils."

Martin Wilson currently has 223 children attending the school, including those at its nursery.

Geoff Pettengell, executive principal at Shrewsbury Academies Trust, said he is confident that Martin Wilson Primary School will go from strength to strength.

He said: "This is a new era for the school and I am sure that staff and pupils will enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated support network.

"The ethos there is all about providing opportunities and a broad, rounded education for the children, and this mirrors perfectly the commitment of the other schools which are part of the academy.

"I know that David and his team are keen that the school's Ofsted rating improves to 'good' and I am sure that being part of SAT will only improve its chances of attaining higher ratings and better results all round."