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MAT Approval
We were absolutely delighted to learn that our application to form a Multi-Academy Trust with Kemble and Siddington Primary Schools was approved by the Department of Education on Tuesday 7 November 2017.
The Corinium Education Trust will be the first all through mixed community and CofE MAT in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol.
Chiquita Henson, Head at Cirencester Deer Park School, said ‘This is a bold and innovative step. It is an exciting development and is one that will focus on enhancing children’s learning and life chances and open a new chapter in Cirencester’s and The South Cotswolds’ educational history.’
This is tremendously exciting news for everyone involved and follows consultation with staff, parents and the wider community. Our Shadow Members and Trustees who have been working jointly on this initiative with the Headteachers and governors of all three schools over the last 18 months are equally pleased:
‘Brilliant news! Congratulations.’ Bishop Robert Springett, Bishop of Tewkesbury, Shadow Member
‘This is fantastic news! It has been a long time coming and the result of a great deal of hard work and continuous effort - so well done. I'm absolutely thrilled.’ Claire Mould, Shadow Trustee.
‘Great news on the MAT! Thank you for all your effort getting us to this point.’ Ian Smith, Chair of Governors, Kemble and Siddington Primary Schools
‘Wonderful news and I look forward to being involved with the next steps.’ Claire Minett, Shadow Trustee
‘Excellent result and very exciting – a new chapter!’ Charles Woodd, Shadow Trustee
‘Simply to say both a huge well done and also thanks for making the MAT a reality. Another chapter in the educational opportunities for young people in The South Cotswolds begins.’ Graham Russell, Chair of Governors, Cirencester Deer Park School.
A Multi Academy Trust is an organisation that runs more than one school for the mutual benefit of the schools and the learners in those schools.
Cirencester Deer Park, Kemble Community and Siddington Church of England Primary Schools have been working closely together to create The Corinium Education Trust which will now be launched officially in April 2018. This means Cirencester Deer Park School will no longer be a Single Academy Trust and, its partner primary schools will no longer be under the control of Gloucestershire County Council.
The Corinium Education Trust will ensure all three schools continue to thrive and retain their identities within the MAT. Chiquita Henson, Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School, explains, ‘We are committed to ensuring that the distinctive characteristics of each school remain intact. No school will need to change its name, its uniform, its school day, its admissions arrangements or any other aspect which makes it unique.’
Carol Dougill, Executive Head of Kemble Community and Siddington Church of England Primary Schools is equally excited about the opportunities that lie ahead: ‘Our schools are looking forward to joining a trust that will be local and pertinent to our children’s future. Working together we can raise standards by sharing good practice and resources, and make sure that all we do will be a benefit to the families we serve’.
It is anticipated that over time The Corinium Education Trust will grow. One of the key features of this MAT is that it is focused on providing high quality education in Cirencester and the South Cotswolds and, unlike many other regional or national MATs, it will not be seeking to partner with schools which are outside of this geographical area.
As a result of working together, there is a strong shared vision for an ambitious family of schools within the South Cotswolds that responds strategically to the needs of parents and children, is committed to school improvement and contributes fully to the provision of excellent inclusive education across the different phases.