Following discussions which initially began before the pandemic with our Chief Executive, Chiquita Henson, and Graham Russell, Chair of Trustees, the governors at St Mary’s C of E Primary School in Tetbury launched a consultation process on Thursday 24 June 2021. This followed a decision, taken by the governing body in April 2021 to explore the feasibility of their school joining The Corinium Education Trust.

 

Headteacher, Jo Woolley, set out the rationale for doing so in her letters to St Mary’s stakeholders: 'We want to join a small, local multi-academy trust. The Corinium Education Trust is made up of schools who are already within our South Cotswolds School Partnership and with whom we already have a  relationship. The members of the Trust are committed to improving the life chances and learning outcomes for all children through collaborative work. In a smaller multi-academy trust St Mary's will be in a position to contribute fully to the work of the trust and The Corinium Education Trust equally are committed to ensuring each of its school retain their own identities. CEO, Chiquita Henson, understands that primary schools first and foremost serve their communities and our responsibility is to serve the familites of Tetbury. The Corinium Education Trust aims to inspire, challenge and transform - values that sit alongside our aim to develop caring, curious and courageous young people.'

 

The trustees of The Corinium Education Trust welcome this approach and, while it is still very early days in St Mary’s journey, our Chief Executive, Chiquita Henson, is working closely with Jo Woolley and her team to achieve a smooth transition. This includes meticulous due diligence on each side.

 

‘We are delighted with the expression interest from St Mary’s C of E Primary School. We recognise this public consultation is just the first step towards their conversion to academy status, but we share a similar vision and feel the school will add value to our multi-academy trust. We fully appreciate there are more steps to take and we are liaising closely with the school, Diocese and the Regional Schools’ Commissioner’s Office to ensure we can take them together.’ Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive

 

For more information about St Mary’s C of E Primary School’s consultation please go to Multi Academy Trust Consultation (stmarystetbury.com).