Market Drayton school set to sign up to trust

The Grove School is set to join fellow market town schools in the Marches Academy Trust, giving staff there access to advice, staff and financial support and access to multi-school projects including trips to continental Europe and sporting fixtures.

Sarah Longville, CEO of the Marches Academy Trust, said: “The Marches Academy Trust as an academy has developed and grown into a formidable team of schools, with a common aim of giving the children of north Shropshire a first class education.”

"Unless there are methods that we think can improve the school, then changes will not be made. Our aim is to give the children at Grove School an excellent and wide array of opportunities in the years to come."

Some of the other schools that already collaborate in the Marches Academy trust are the Sir John Talbot's School in Whitchurch, Tilstock Primary School and the Marches School in Oswestry.

Sonia Taylor, Grove School head teacher, said: "I am absolutely delighted at the prospect of joining the Marches Academy Trust as it will afford the students and staff at the Grove many more exciting opportunities.

"The students are always at the centre of everything that we do at the Grove and this ethos is shared by the Marches meaning that we can build on their successes and share best practice to provide excellent learning opportunities and experiences for our students."

The school's joining of the trust will be rubber stamped in a 'funding agreement' after parents, carers, staff and students have had the chance to comment. An open meeting will be held at the school on October 2, at 6pm, and all interested parties are invited to have a say.

The news comes as the Grove's newest Year 7 intake has impressed staff.

This year's Year 7 cohort started at the Grove two and a half weeks ago on September 3.

Ms Taylor said: "The term has started with a buzz of excitement at the Grove School.

"It does not seem like only two weeks ago that our new Year 7 students began their journey with us as already they are confident, fully engaged in their lessons and getting into the swing of life at the Grove.

"They have made an excellent impression on the staff with their energy and enthusiasm.

"Year 12 students too have made an excellent transition to their studies having survived their team-building day with the Royal Marines.

"All students are already enjoying their lessons and are especially excited about the forthcoming Biology Week where we will be visited by a whole range of exotic animals.

"The National Citizenship Service is also visiting the College so that many more of our students can continue to make a difference in the local community.

"The first of our innovative Discovery Days is fast approaching with Year 10 and 11 students working on their Elevate Programme designed to boost study skills, Year 9 visiting the amazing National Memorial Arboretum and Year 7 and 8 students working on developing Team Grove."