Following two years of close partnership working, the governors of Cirencester Deer Park School and Kemble and Siddington Primary Schools look forward to the launch of their Multi-Academy Trust, The Corinium Education Trust, in April 2018. This follows a period of consultation, negotiation and planning which has strengthened the relationships between our individual schools.

‘Our schools are looking forward to being part of a Trust that is 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.’ Carol Dougill, Executive Headteacher, Kemble and Siddington Primary Schools.

The Corinium Education Trust will be the first ‘mixed’ Multi-Academy Trust in Gloucestershire and brings together a large secondary, community primary and church schools; the leaders of which are ambitious for their pupils’ learning and life chances and are committed to continuous school improvement. The creation of the Trust opens a new chapter in Cirencester’s and the Cotswolds’ educational history based upon schools working together for the benefit of all of their pupils. It is innovative and dynamic.

The Corinium Education Trust has secured the approval of the Department of Education, the Regional Schools’ Commissioner for the South West of England and the Diocese of Gloucester.

‘The Corinium Education Trust is passionate about and committed to providing pupils in the South Cotswolds with the best possible opportunities to learn and create their futures. Schools joining the Trust are united in their view that when schools work together then they can achieve so much more. Graham Russell, Chair of Trustees, The Corinium Education Trust.

Chiquita Henson has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Trust and she will fulfil this role alongside her responsibilities as Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School.

‘I am very excited about the development of our Multi-Academy Trust and the creation of a new learning community that reaches across different phases. It reflects genuine partnership working and gives each institution the opportunity to be a part of something greater than our individual schools and we anticipate organising MAT-wide events. We can learn so much from each other. By strengthening these links and our professional practice, we will be able to enhance the provision for learners in the South Cotswolds, provide support for families and invest in the development of our staff.’  Chiquita Henson, CEO designate and Headteacher, Cirencester Deer Park School

The Corinium Education Trust is an evolving and growing organisation: from September 2018, we will be responsible for the education of 1300 children, aged 2 to 16. We are pleased to confirm that Chesterton Primary School will be joining the Trust in September 2018.

‘Chesterton Primary is excited to be an early member of the Corinium Education Trust. The pool of leadership talent across the multi academy trust will support and develop excellence in the provision of all-through education for pupils from Nursery to Secondary education in Cirencester and South Cotswolds area.’ Karen Venner, Headteacher, Chesterton Primary School.

The Corinium Education Trust, steered by our Members - Richard Mullings, Shirley Alexander, Robert Springett (Bishop of Tewkesbury) and Graham Russell - welcomes all schools as partners and the challenge provided by our Trustees will ensure we provide relevant and bespoke support.

Schools interested in finding out more about key drivers behind The Corinium Education Trust and its commitment to school improvement can email Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive, or find out more on www.coriniumeducationtrust.net.