Dame Fiona Reynolds officially launches The Corinium Education Trust.
Friday 14 September 2018 was a busy day for The Corinium Education Trust and Cirencester Deer Park School as the calendar bought together two important events, the official launch of The Corinium Education Trust and the opening of Deer Park’s new flagship building. Both, however, were managed seamlessly in a tight programme that enabled the community within and around our multi-academy trust to celebrate recent achievements.
As host, Chief Executive, Chiquita Henson welcomed other school leaders, members, trustees and governors to the launch event in Deer Park’s Expressive Arts centre and, after a short lunch, she introduced the programme with a reflection on the Trust’s development, ethos and ambition.
‘As Chief Executive, I am keen to ensure that we are able to work in equal partnership, recognise our strengths, challenge each other and draw on our individual and collective expertise to support continuous school improvement and further raise standards.’ Chiquita Henson, CEO.
Chiquita Henson was joined by Carol Dougill, Executive Head of Kemble and Siddington CofE Primary Schools, Karen Venner, Head of Chesterton and Liz Lang, Head of School at Cirencester Deer Park. All three commented positively on the impact membership of The Corinium Education Trust was having on their schools, staff development and pupils’ learning.
‘Joining the Corinium Education Trust has enabled each school to retain its individual ethos and vision and work together as equal partners in improving outcomes for children. We share good practice, arrange joint, high quality training across the three school phases and look at data together so that we can target resources and expertise. The trust has laid the foundations to take local schools into the future with high aspirations for all – a very exciting journey!’ Carol Dougill
‘The staff at Chesterton Primary School and I are very excited by the opportunity to work in collaboration with other like-minded schools to develop the quality of education across Cirencester.’ Karen Venner
‘Our goal is to ensure that a high quality education is available to all young people in Cirencester and the surrounding areas, so that they are able to achieve more than they first thought possible. To have the opportunity to partner with local primary schools, to work collaboratively to provide a high quality provision from the age of 4 right through to 16 is really exciting.’ Liz Lang.
Although The Corinium Education Trust came into existence in 1 April 2018 after a gestation period of nearly two years, which allowed for firm foundations to be laid and strong relationships formed, the official launch was purposefully timed to fit in with the new school year and confirmation of the Trust’s sponsorship of Chesterton Primary School from 1 September 2018.
Dame Fiona Reynolds, Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and Patron of The Corinium Education Trust, commended the partnership on its comprehensive ethos and commitment to the learning and life chances of children and young people in Cirencester and the South Cotswolds. She acknowledged the challenges ahead and conveyed her confidence in the Trust.
‘I’m delighted to be Patron of the Corinium Education Trust, which has got off to a great start. The focus on an excellent education for every child is an inspiring one, and it’s clear that by working together in the Multi Academy Trust, the schools in Cirencester will achieve more and do better for more children. I wish the Trust every success.’ Dame Fiona Reynolds
Following Dame Fiona Reynolds, Hannah Woodhouse, Deputy Director at the RSC’s (Regional Schools Commissioners) Office in Bristol, put The Corinium Education Trust’s work into context by sharing the Department of Education’s priorities for the South West.
‘I was delighted to represent the Regional Schools Commissioner’s office in congratulating Corinium Education Trust on their launch. We are always really pleased to be able to support new Multi Academy Trusts committed to improving educational standards through their dedicated work within and across schools. I was also very pleased to be part of the opening ceremony of the impressive new building at Cirencester Deer Park School.’ Hannah Woodhouse
Hannah Woodhouse, Peter Reed OBE , Chiquita Henson, Dame Fiona Reynolds, Graham Russell
To close the official launch, Chiquita Henson, invited guests to join her and Deer Park’s former pupil and three times Olympic gold medallist, Peter Reed, OBE, to open the school’s new flagship building and, after ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, Graham Russell, Chair of The Corinium Education Trust closed the programme with a vote of thanks.
‘The Corinium Education Trust provides a new opportunity for schools to come together and collaborate for the benefit of young people. The Trust is open for other schools and colleges to join and be part of something which represents a contemporary way of working together rather than standing alone.’ Graham Russell
