St Helena's Church of England Primary School
Considering our future
St Helena's Church of England Primary School
Considering our future
Considering our future
Considering our future
A great deal has been discussed over the last few years about the future of schools. In the constantly evolving educational world, more and more schools are thinking about becoming an academy and joining a multi-academy trust (MAT).
Our school governors have been watching the impact of this shift closely and digesting what it means for St Helena's and our community.
We are a smaller school and working in isolation, particularly when local authorities across the country are having significant funding issues, does bring its challenges. We also recognise there are many advantages to being part of a wider network of schools, such as access to teaching and learning expertise, further enrichment opportunities, and support with many of the day-to-day aspects of running a school.
Furthermore, our Ofsted inspection report in October has made us consider if now is the right time for us to look at how we strengthen what we do. That is why it was right for us, as the school governors, to look at all our options.
As a result, we have been exploring with a range of MATs what being part of their family of schools would mean for St Helena's Church of England Primary School's children, families and staff.
During these discussions, it has become clear that there is a local trust whose values, approach, and aspiration to get the very best for each and every child mirrors how we work at our school.
Infinity Academies Trust has been working with us to provide support across some key areas of school life. This has provided an opportunity to get to know each other, so we are confident that we would work well together.
For this reason, we are launching a listening period to gather your views on the opportunity to join Infinity Academies Trust.
This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. We have only considered this as we believe that we have found a Trust that shares our ambition, has the capacity to ensure that we continue to thrive, and also respects and celebrates our individuality.
We want to fully understand the views of our community before proceeding, and we look forward to working with you as we progress on this important piece of work for our school.
In 2022, the then Government published their White Paper on the future of education in this country. While that paper is no longer being adopted, it highlights that over 80% of secondary schools are now academies - and around 45% of primaries have also made the decision to convert.
This is not only changing the nature of our existing support from organisations like the Local Authority, but the Diocese of Lincoln has also provided guidance on what this means for Church of England schools in the Diocese. The direction of travel is that all CofE primaries should join a Diocesan Trust. This has further shaped our thinking and encouraged us to be proactive in taking important decisions for our school.
In addition, we think there are other benefits that include:
After a great deal of time and deliberation, Governors think that a Trust called Infinity Academies Trust is the right option for our school and our community.
This is not a decision we can, or want, to make in isolation though - which is why we want your views.
Copyright © 2024 St Helena's Church of England Primary School - All Rights Reserved.