TWO of the county’s best performing schools are joining forces to offer even better learning opportunities for young people.
Richmond School and Sixth Form College will leave local authority control on December 1 to join Stokesley School, which established a Multi Academy Trust in 2015.
Areté Learning Trust will be looking to form future partnerships with similarly successful primary and secondary schools in North Yorkshire.
Stokesley and Richmond both enjoy enviable reputations for academic and cultural achievement, as well as sporting prowess, features recognized by Government inspectors Ofsted.
The latest move is seen as the best way forward to sustain and improve standards and provide the best possible learning environment for thousands of children aged 11-18.
While each school will maintain its unique identity, being part of a MAT will result in:
- the sharing of best practice and joint curriculum development
- increased professional opportunities for teachers and support staff
- shared governance
- a common ethos and vision
- better economies of scale leading to cost efficiencies in school services.
Significantly, partner primary schools in the Richmond area have already formed a MAT called the Northern Dales Trust.
Richmond School’s retiring headteacher Ian Roberston said: “Morale has never been higher and I feel very proud to leave safe in the knowledge that our excellent staff, governors and supportive parents will take the school to the next level as a member of a MAT.”
Richmond School and Sixth Form College will be headed by Jenna Potter. The headteacher of Stokesley School, Catherine Brooker, is the trust’s chief executive officer.
Mrs Brooker said: “This is an exciting time for Areté Learning Trust which reflects our belief in system leadership. Our aim is to grow our MAT successfully and sustainably, building on our strengths, sharing resources, increasing opportunities and investing in outstanding staff who are committed to securing the best possible future for all of our students.”
Mr Robertson said students and parents were unlikely to notice much change on day one as uniform would remain the same, as would daily life at the school.
He said: “What makes each school already special, unique, will remain but I know our staff are very excited about the move which they appreciate is the best possible way forward for the education of our children.”