Four West-exe primary schools forge closer links

Four Exeter primary schools are working more closely together to improve the education of their 1,270 pupils.

Bowhill, St Thomas, Alphington and Ide have this month formed the Exeter Learning Academy Trust.

All four schools are rated either good or outstanding by Ofsted but they say their closer working links will enable them to focus even more closely on improving their teaching and learning.

They say the governors, staff and members of the community have worked hard to make this happen and to develop a culture and ethos that reflects the four schools.

Over the past year the schools have been working more closely together and supporting each other and plan to strengthen these links even further in the future.

St Thomas head, Justin Stone, said: “The decision to convert to academy status was because we all believe that, through working together as a group of schools, we can increase the opportunities for children and ensure that every child achieves their full potential.

“We will seek to retain the ethos and identity of each school while enjoying the benefits of partnership.

“Each of the four headteachers brings a wealth of experience to the group and is passionate about the learning of the people in their care.”

Liam Montgomery, the director of the Academy Board, said: “The rational is underpinned by a desire to build upon and  strengthen existing relationships between all the schools which are either good or outstanding .

“The schools will focus on creating a firm foundation of effective school improvement to meet our aims. We want to capitalise on existing opportunities  for the children to work together and share existing practise.”

A business manager, Allison Grant, who has a wide range of experience has been appointed to maximise resources and oversee the management of the Academy.

The schools say moving to an Academy trust will enable them to build capacity, allow other schools to join and provide support when appropriate.