St Andrew’s CE Primary School in Bebington has officially joined the newly formed Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT), becoming one of its four founding members. The move marks a significant change in the school's governance, making it independent of local council control and funded directly by the national government.
Key Takeaways
- St Andrew’s CE Primary in Bebington is a founding member of the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT).
- The school is now an academy, receiving funding directly from the government instead of the local authority.
- The transition aims to foster collaboration and share expertise with three other Cheshire primary schools in the trust.
- School leadership has assured that the institution's name, Christian ethos, and core values will remain unchanged.
A New Governance Structure for St Andrew’s
St Andrew’s CE Primary School on Townfield Lane has embarked on a new chapter after formally converting to an academy. As of October 1, the school is no longer under the control of the local council, a structural shift that aligns it with a growing number of schools across the country.
This transition means its funding is now allocated directly from the national government. The primary objective of this change is to provide the school with greater autonomy and to become part of a collaborative network of church schools dedicated to mutual support and improvement.
What is an Academy Trust?
An academy trust is a charitable company that runs state-funded schools in England. These schools, known as academies, operate independently of local authority control. The trust is responsible for the performance of the schools in its network, receiving funding directly from the Department for Education to manage its budget and resources.
Founding Members of a New Trust
St Andrew’s is not making this journey alone. The Bebington school is one of the four inaugural members of the Chester Diocesan Learning Trust, a new body established for Church of England schools in the region.
The trust aims to create a supportive family of schools that can share resources, expertise, and best practices to enhance the educational experience for all pupils. The collaboration is seen as a major benefit for both staff development and student achievement.
The Four Founding Schools
The Chester Diocesan Learning Trust launched with these four primary schools:
- St Andrew’s CE Primary School (Bebington, Wirral)
- Capenhurst C of E Primary School (Capenhurst, Cheshire)
- Davenham CE Primary School (Cheshire West and Chester)
- Lostock Gralam CE Primary School (Cheshire West and Chester)
To mark the official launch of the CDLT, each of the four schools held a special common worship service. The services were devised collaboratively by the headteachers involved in the trust's formation, symbolizing the shared vision from day one.
Leadership Voices on the Transition
Leaders from both the trust and the school have expressed optimism about the future. They emphasize that the core mission is to build a strong, collaborative educational environment rooted in shared values.
Sue Noakes, the Chief Executive Officer of the CDLT, highlighted the spirit of cooperation that has defined the trust's creation.
“It has been inspiring to work with these schools as they help shape the future of the Trust. Collaboration, diversity, and shared vision are at the heart of CDLT, and we are excited to see what we can achieve together.”
This sentiment was echoed at the local level by the headteacher of the Bebington school, who focused on the benefits for the immediate school community.
Commitment to Community and Values
Ryan Neal, Headteacher of St Andrew’s CE Primary School, addressed the school community to explain the decision and reassure parents and carers. He confirmed that the move was made with the long-term interests of pupils, families, and staff as the top priority.
Mr. Neal stated that joining the CDLT provides an opportunity to become part of a larger family of schools with a similar ethos.
“By joining CDLT, we will be part of a family of schools who share our Christian values, enabling us to work closely together, share expertise and continue to grow the wonderful opportunities we offer our pupils.”
He was also clear that the school’s fundamental identity will not be altered by the new administrative structure. “Please be assured that our school’s name, caring ethos and Christian foundation will remain unchanged,” he added. “Our commitment to nurturing every child and helping them flourish academically, spiritually and personally will continue to be at the heart of all we do.”
According to its most recent inspection, education regulator Ofsted rated St Andrew’s CE Primary School as 'good', providing a strong foundation as it enters this new phase of its development.