Whitchurch school to become an academy

Whitchurch CE Infant & Nursery School has revealed it is set to join the St Bart’s Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) during the next academic year.

Staff say the reality of funding is that the majority of schools will need to become an academy over the next two years within a MAT – not least as the local authority is no longer able to provide schools with the support services they have in the past.

Anne Headdon, chair of governors, said: “The governing board of Whitchurch CE Infant & Nursery School have been considering our options for the school’s academisation for around a year now.

"We want to ensure that we achieve the best fit for our school, its staff and pupils.

"After an extensive assessment process, we have chosen to join the St Bart’s family as we believe this is the best option. St Bart’s is a primary-only academy, with similar values to our own including its Christian ethos. This partnership will allow us to work with high quality schools facing the same challenges and opportunities.”

Chris Brislen, chief executive officer of St Bart’s, added: “We are delighted that Whitchurch CE Infant & Nursery School is joining us as our first Shropshire based school. We look forward to working with the headteacher and all the team at the school to ensure the best possible education for children in Whitchurch.”

Sarah Cope, headteacher of the Whitchurch school, added: “Whilst the school will become an academy within the MAT, locally there will be little change.

"There will still be a head teacher and familiar teachers and support staff on-site responsible for the day-to-day running of the school.

"The local governing body will remain and continue to monitor and challenge the quality of educational provision in the school. We are not proposing to alter our school uniform, albeit the logo will be updated going forward.

"We will also continue to maintain and develop our working relationships with partner schools in Whitchurch and indeed the wider area.”