Working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, The Corinium Education Trust is planning to open The Steadings Primary School in September 2025.

 

The new school will serve families moving on to the new residential area known as The Steadings.

 

The new school will grow incrementally. We are monitoring this closely with Gloucestershire County Council’s Primary Place Planning Team and Bathurst Developments Ltd.

 

The new school will open with a Reception class only in September 2025. However, this will be subject to demand in the local area.

 

In preparation for the opening of new school and in line with the ‘School Admissions Code’, the Trustees are consulting on the new school’s draft Admissions Policy.

 

>> Go to Draft Admissions Policy 

 

This consultation opens on Wednesday 20 December 2023 for a period of 6 weeks and closes on Wednesday 31 January 2024.

 

Trustees welcome any comments on the draft Admissions Policy for the new school and they will take account of any feedback before revising and approving the final policy at the meeting of the Trust’s Board on Tuesday 6 February 2024. Please send your feedback to steadingsprimaryschool@coriniumeducationtrust.net.

 

Since being chosen to manage The Steadings Primary School back in 2019, the Trust has been working closely with Bathurst Developments. Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), has visited other new schools to learn from their experience and has been exploring designs with architects, headteachers and pupils.

 

‘We are very excited that the new school is now scheduled to open in September 2025. However, we fully appreciate the sensitivities around primary school places and we have been talking with other local schools. In drafting this Admissions Policy, we have taken care to clearly define the new school’s catchment area.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO).

 

The Steadings Primary School will initially be hosted at Siddington C of E Primary School in purpose-built ‘legacy’ accommodation which is currently under construction. It is expected that the new school will move on to its permanent site on The Steadings residential development in either 2027 or 2028.

 

More information about The Steadings Primary School will be available in February 2024. 

It has been another exciting start to the term for our ‘Year of Reading’ schools! On Thursday 9 and Friday 10 November 2023, 200 pupils from schools within our project travelled to Stroud’s Subscription Rooms to take part in this year’s Stroud Book Festival!

 

Accompanied by teachers, teaching assistants and parents, the coaches took pupils into the heart of Stroud to learn more about the work of well-loved children’s authors: Natasha Farrant, Ken Wilson-Max and Smriti Halls.

 

The authors were fantastic, engaging the children in their fantasy worlds and taking them on adventures through literature! Smriti Halls had the pupils bouncing on their seats, singing along to the words from her book ‘Stop! That’s Not My Story!’. In addition, Ken Wilson-Max encouraged the children to create new mammals – we created a ‘RoarCroc’ which had the body of a crocodile and the head of a lion! Natasha Farrant led a workshop for the older children on her new book ‘The Rescue of Ravenwood’. We were fortunate enough to see her at one of our virtual events for the Cheltenham Literature Festival last term too!

 

"I enjoyed making the front covers of our own books, following her fairy tale ideas.”  Frankie, Year 2 pupil at Down Ampney C of E Primary School.

 

"I liked Astro Girl because you were able to know when people went on the moon."  Henry, Year 2 pupil at Down Ampney C of E Primary School.

 

“I can hope everyone reads The Rescue of Ravenwood, it’s a really good story about fighting to save our planet. I hope we can get more copies for our library." Oscar, Year 4 pupil at Kemble Primary School 

 

“We were so lucky to have the opportunity to  listen to such a popular author. The children were captured by Natasha Farrant’s descriptions of the places and people that inspired her writing. I am excited to see how the pupils use the idea of ‘you mustn’t let a little thing like little stop you’ to inspire their own writing!” Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, Kemble Primary School 

 

These enrichment opportunities are vital to developing children’s love of Reading which, in turn, will support all children to be able to read in line with their chronological age. To have proficiency in Reading is an essential tool for not only the exploration of knowledge and skills within their curriculums but also for the development of relationships. Furthermore, it enables children to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

 

The children’s experience of attending the Stroud Book Festival would not have been possible without the generosity of The Winstone Charitable Trust. The funding they provided has enabled children to be transported to the festival and take part in the inspiring author workshops. We are very grateful for their support and for providing the children with these memorable experiences.

 

"Thank you so much for organising the literature festival days, they were absolutely fantastic and it was so nice to go with other schools!” Fiona Pattemore, Teacher at Powells C of E Primary School.

 

We are also grateful to the local schools and their teachers who are taking part in our ‘Year of Reading’ project. Working collaboratively, we are raising the profile of Reading in our schools by sharing our great practice with each other.

 

Rachael Scott, School Improvement Lead, Corinium Education Trust. 

On Monday 6 November 2023, Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO) of The Corinium Education Trust, and Libby Pringle, Headteacher, were delighted to welcome guests to the formal opening of Chesterton Primary School’s newly refurbished facilities.

 

‘It was truly wonderful to bring so many members of the school’s local community together to witness the opening of the newly refurbished facilities and to publicly thank the Trustees of The Winstone Charitable Trust for their incredible generosity. Without their support and commitment to this project we would not have been able to bring about these significant improvements to key areas of the school.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO)

 

Before entering the school for a tour, Philip Beckerlegge, Chair of The Winstone Charitable Trust, kindly cut the ribbon with the aid of Evelina and Matthew, the school’s Head pupils.

 

'I am delighted to have welcomed so many members of our community to the formal opening of our refurbishment. The developments have made a huge difference to the school, in particular the Library which the pupils absolutely love using! We are grateful to the Winstone Trust for their generosity and support in allowing us to make these changes.' Libby Pringle, Headteacher

 

'I love reading and so the library has been great!' Matthew, Head Boy

'Its amazing! Everything looks so nice and I’m really happy!' Evelina, Head Girl

 

The Corinium Education Trust appealed through various channels for funding to support this initiative and the Trust was delighted when the Trustees of The Winstone Charitable Trust initially offered to match funding. Unfortunately, because the school building is structurally sound, the Department for Education were unable to fund the refurbishment and between 2020 and 2022 many grant providers prioritised resources for projects directly related to the pandemic. However, after visiting the school and recognising the level of need, the The Winstones Trust Trustees extended their contribution to meet the full cost of Phase 1, which has led to a significantly improved welcome to the school and staff areas, a new library and reception classroom, a community hub and fully refurbished kitchen. Dr Andrew Chappell, Trustee of The Winstone Charitable Trust, who was passionate about the need for improvement from the outset, commended the work, ‘I absolutely love it!’.

 

‘While we initially thought projects of this nature should be publicly funded, following a visit to the school and learning more about what The Corinium Education Trust and the school were trying to achieve, we felt compelled to support this refurbishment and contribute to raising aspirations and standards at the school. We look forward to seeing further improvements.’ Philip Beckerlegge, Chair of The Winstone Charitable Trust

 

In addition to the Trustees of The Winstone Charitable Trust, representatives from the school, including the PTA, and other closely associated local community groups, guests included Sabrina Dixon, Mayor of Cirencester and former pupil of the school, Joe Harris, Leader of The Cotswold District Council, Lord Bathurst and Dame Fiona Reynolds, the Trust’s Patron, and the school’s former Headteacher David Williams and Andrea Pellegram, former Chair of Governors. All, having previously visited the school, had a strong sense of the ’before’ and ‘after’:

 

‘It was a delight to be invited back to Chesterton to see the refurbishment. I know the children, staff and community will make great use of the new welcoming entrance space, library and community café.’  David Williams, former Headteacher 

Last year the Corinium Education Trust invited schools in the South Cotswolds to engage in a conversation with us about the future education landscape. 

 

As a group of four schools currently, the Corinium Education Trust is excited about working openly with others in a strong partnership.

 

This year we are delighted that the conversation will continue under a memorandum of understanding with an even wider group of local schools, primary and secondary. 

‘Chesterton Primary School and Nursery is delighted to have an opportunity to work more closely with other local schools and we are excited about the possibilities of working in partnership with others to bring about further positive experiences for all children. At Chesterton we will continue our rigorous focus on our journey of improvement whilst remaining outward facing. We will contribute to this collaborative approach whole heartedly for the betterment of all.’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher 

Collectively, over the course of the next 18 months, we will be exploring the benefits there might be in working more closely together in a larger formal structure.

We are committed to working together and considering the development of inclusive, sustainable and collaborative solutions that are in the best interests of all of our children, young people and staff. 

‘Kemble Primary School is excited to explore the opportunities that will arise from the conversations we are having about the future education landscape in our local area. Working with more schools, both secondary and primary, will allow us to further develop and improve the offer we make to our children and stakeholders and we are keen to see what can be achieved to benefit us all.’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher

This is an opportunity for the Corinium Education Trust to evolve and for others to join us in co-creating a new collaborative framework based on shared values and a common sense of purpose.

‘We are enthusiastic about collaborating with a wider group of schools. We are delighted to be able to work alongside other Church schools within the group and share our Christian values. We are committed to raising the achievement of all pupils and being the best that we can be.’ Louise Lennox, Headteacher, Siddington C of E Primary School

We feel the time is right for each of us to think about the future of our schools and explore what future organisational structures might be possible to support school leaders and our wider learning communities.

‘At Cirencester Deer Park School, we recognise the importance of working collaboratively to help deliver high quality education for pupils from age 4 to 19. The opportunity to be a part of an even wider group of schools exploring how we might be able to forge structures and systems which enable all pupils to benefit from our collective expertise is not to be missed. We are looking forward to achieving a shared set of values and channelling the passion emanating from each school into purposeful discussions about what the future of education locally could look like.’ Richard Clutterbuck, Headteacher

While it is not legally binding, the memorandum of understanding reflects our commitment to formally explore other multi-academy trust models alongside other schools in our geographical area. 

The memorandum of understanding sets out what we want to achieve through discussion and, most importantly, will support our bid to secure funding for this initiative. This funding will be used to facilitate the group and enable us to visit other school groups to see what is working and what could be of benefit to us all. 

This will help inform future decision making, both for us as an established trust, and for the other participating schools. For example, the Trust may choose to stay as it is, grow incrementally in size, or evolve into a new organisation with a wider group of schools.

‘Interest in our local conversation has grown and, as an evolving organisation, we are pleased to be an active partner in collaboration and co-creation. I hope we will be able to learn more from each other, and from other organisations, and move towards a sustainable, collegiate, and cooperative model for schools locally in the future.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), The Corinium Education Trust

 

‘This ongoing conversation between schools in the South Cotswolds and beyond comes at a particularly crucial time for The Corinium Education Trust as we seek to evolve and further develop the amazing work that happens in our schools. Strengthening collaboration and partnerships with other schools can only bring even greater benefits to the young people we all serve. This is a very exciting project and I am convinced that it will reap enormous benefits for all concerned.’ Martin McLeman, Chair of Trustees

 

 

 

1. Who is engaged in this conversation and who is representing the schools?

A number of schools, primary and secondary, from the South Cotswolds and Stroud areas are engaged in the conversation. 

Each school is being represented by their headteacher and/or the school’s Chair of Governors.

 

2. Why are you having this conversation now?
We feel the time is right for each of us to think about the future of our schools and explore what organisational structures might be possible to facilitate and support system leadership and wider school improvement.

It is increasingly likely that cooperative working between schools will become the ‘norm’. The shape of educational provision is changing rapidly. We want to be sure that all of our schools will continue to flourish and thrive, and offer excellent education to our pupils. 

Over time, working collaboratively and sharing of best practice and resources will help to secure continued improvement in pupil achievement, high quality teaching and learning and good use of resources. 

3. Will being a part of this conversation impact on our own standards or divert resources from our school?  
No. The conversation will focus on what might be possible and is taking place at a strategic level. We will be applying for additional funding to support our exploration of different organisational structures.

We have chosen to engage in this conversation and work together with other local schools to ensure that the vision, values and culture of our schools is central to everything that we do.

Collaboration and sharing ideas and expertise can only help us all find robust and sustainable solutions that lead to further improvements for our pupils and staff.

 

4. What do you mean by a ‘formal structure’?
In this context a ‘formal structure’ could mean coming together as a Federation, Trust Partnership or Multi-Academy Trust.

A ‘formal structure’ would be a legally recognised entity.

5. What is a 'strong partnership'?
A ‘strong partnership’ brings schools together to serve the common good. It is based on trust and mutual respect. It is values-based with shared goals. 

Leora Cruddas, CEO of The Confederation of School Trusts reflects on a key question in her paper ‘Starting with Why: Why join a trust – and why a trust-based system?’
‘How can my school best collaborate with others in a strong and resilient structure to ensure that each child is a powerful learner and that adults have the opportunities to learn and develop as teachers and leaders?’

 

6. What is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?
The Department for Education (DfE) strongly encourage partner schools to formalise their arrangements in order to clarify the activities and benefits for all involved. Evidence suggests that partnerships that enter into a formal agreement tend to be better formed and more sustainable.

One way of doing this is through agreeing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to ensure that the promised outcomes of the partnership are fully delivered and can be evaluated. 

A MOU is not a legally binding document. It is a statement of serious intent – agreed voluntarily by equal partners – of the commitment, resources, and other considerations that each of the parties will bring.

A MOU has moral force but does not create legal obligations.

The content of a MOU is entirely up to the parties involved. The language and level of detail used will also depend on the structure of the partnership and relative formality that partners prefer.

Our MOU which has been drafted collaboratively, is based on a template provided by the DfE to help groups of schools build impact evaluation into their partnership from the outset and clearly set out the achievements they hope to realise.

7. Where will you find funding to support this?
As a group of schools, we propose to apply to the Department for Education for Trust Establishment and Growth Funding for up to £50,000 to support our exploration of different organisational structures and the potential development of what a local one might look like. 

This additional resource will ensure that any expenses we incur through our engagement in this conversation and collaborative activities, including planning and research, are not taking money away from our school budgets and our children.

 

8. Why would a Local Authority school or Single Academy Trust (SAT) want to join this conversation? 
There are a number of reasons why a Local Authority School or Single Academy Trust may want to join this conversation: 

• They may wish to explore whether remaining as a Single Academy Trust or as a Local Authority school offers the security and opportunities the school needs to continue to improve.
• They may be looking to strengthen partnerships with local schools to share and tap into wider expertise and provide mutual challenge and support either formally or informally.
• They may believe that working together as partner schools offers better opportunities for pupils and staff in their schools.
• They may want to respond to our local context, identify common ground and find solutions that work for all. They may not want to work in isolation.
• They may wish to access central services and benefit from specialist support that is not available outside of a wider organisation.
• They may see this as an opportune moment to engage in co-creation and contribute to the scope and design of a new organisation that reflects their values.

 

9. What is a MAT and how does it differ from a SAT?
A MAT is a Multi-Academy Trust. It is a legal entity that governs a group of schools through a single set of directors. It is set up by a group of schools, usually a local collaboration, that share a common ethos and vision.

A SAT is a Single Academy Trust. It has the same legal status and powers as a MAT but consists of a single school. When a SAT joins a MAT it becomes part of the larger legal entity but remains a school in its own right.

10. Is there a set model for how a MAT should operate? 
There are rules regarding how a MAT is funded, but the way in which a MAT operates, its governance structure and vision/ethos are defined by the schools that set up the MAT.

11. What about the Local Authority? 
Each school in the conversation currently works closely with the Local Authority, and, as schools in Gloucestershire, we will continue to work with the Local Authority even if we decide to do something new together.

However, services within the local authority are diminishing and some schools are feeling increasingly isolated and are already beginning to look elsewhere for support. There are strengths within a wider partnership of schools that can be shared and deployed to address areas for development.

12. What will change? 
We do not intend to change anything about our day to day operation during the period of this conversation or as a result of it without wider consultation with our stakeholders. 

13. Some of these schools are already in a MAT, does this mean we will be joining their Trust?
No. The Corinium Education Trust is a small mixed MAT currently made up of 4 schools, one secondary and three primary schools. 

The Corinium Education Trust is beginning to grow locally and plans to honour the commitment made to those schools with whom it is already in discussion in the full knowledge that this wider conversation is taking place.

The Corinium Education Trust is scheduled to open a new primary school on the new Steadings development in Cirencester in 2025.

The Corinium Education Trust is outward-facing and keen to work alongside other schools to find a sustainable solution for schools locally, including those already within it. 

The Corinium Education Trust recognises their engagement in the conversation may lead to evolution and change.

The Corinium Education Trust is offering a framework for development and welcomes the opportunity to engage openly in conversation and co-creation. 

 

14. Who else will know about the conversation that is taking place?
As a group we are committed to being open and transparent. 

We aim to draft a communications strategy and share our progress with our stakeholders. Initially we are advising our staff and governors and then parents. We plan to provide regular updates and seek feedback over the 18 month period.

We will also be advising the Local Authority, the Regional Director’s Office and the Diocese of Gloucester. 
 

After a long time planning, staff and pupils at Siddington C of E Primary School are looking forward to welcoming the construction team from Barnwood on Monday 23 October and bracing themselves for change. The team from Barnwood will be on site for approximately one year.

 

‘I am truly excited by the educational possibilities that the construction of the legacy building offers. I have appointed two student Construction Representatives and Nature Committee Members. These children will join me in meetings to represent the school community. They will then support me in feeding back relevant information to the rest of the school. One of my core aims is to put Siddington C of E Primary School on the map: I know that this project will fully support that aim.’  Louise Lennox, Headteacher.

 

The construction work is a part of The Steadings development. The new accommodation at Siddington C of E Primary School will initially house the new Steadings Primary School in its infancy from September 2025, before it moves onto its permanent site in 2027 or 2028. Significantly, the development will leave Siddington C of E Primary School with a legacy building. This will provide a superb and much needed new school hall, which will also be a flexible learning space, and a new reception area.

 

‘We are working closely with Bathurst Developments Limited, Gloucestershire County Council and the Diocese of Gloucester to ensure the project can be delivered with the minimum of disruption to Siddington C of E Primary School and its local community. It will, however, bring about much needed improvements to the school.' Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO),

 

The construction work on site at Siddington C of E Primary School is scheduled to be completed by December 2024. The first phase will be enabling works which will help prepare the site for the new building. This phase will also join the school to mains sewerage, remove the septic tank and improve surface water drainage. In January 2024, the second phase will begin as the ground is prepared and foundations go in for the new school building.

 

Parents, staff, governors and members of the local community are invited to an open meeting on Monday 23 October at Siddington C of E Primary School at 5pm. Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), will share The Corinium Education Trust’s plans to manage this development and open the new Steadings Primary School in September 2025.

 

The Trust is also actively involved in discussions with other primary schools in the area and Gloucestershire County Council with regard to primary place planning. This will help us ensure that no school within the Trust or wider area is at risk as a consequence of the opening of the new primary school. The Steadings Primary School will have a defined catchment area and we plan to consult on a draft admissions policy in the new year.

 

We appreciate many in the area will have questions about this development and how, from September 2025, the two schools will work together on the same site.

Following the soft launch of our 'Year of Reading' in May 2023, we have secured funding for reading enrichment opportunities (read more...). These will help our children to develop a love of reading, allowing them to become considered readers who read for pleasure. Standing by its mission statement, the ‘Year of Reading’ believes we are ALL readers!

 

As part of this enrichment offer, our collaborative project took pupils from local primary schools near Cirencester to the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Monday 9 October 2023.

 

Here, we took part in Pamela Butchart's author workshop - the author instantly captivated everyone's attention with her enthusiasm and humour! Throughout her performance, we learnt about the source of her ideas and inspiration. Matt Smith, the Headteacher at Rodmarton Primary School, was involved on stage by dressing up as a 'demon dinner lady'!

 

"As part of the Year of Reading initiative, our Year 5 students had a great time at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. They got to see Pamela Butchart's enthusiasm for story writing, which inspired them with creative ideas for writing and left them eager to read more about Izzy's school adventures. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity." Matt Smith, Headteacher at Rodmarton Primary School.

 

The children took part in exploring some of the characters they could be within a story and how they might behave. They learnt that reading is never boring - you just need to find the right book! It was a great opportunity for them to learn more about Pamela Butchart's work - on the journey back they spoke of their eagerness to read her books.

 

In addition to this, we were able to provide e-tickets to virtual events led by Cheltenham Literature Festival to our ‘Year of Reading’ schools. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 were able to join the workshop of Janelle McCurdy and Natasha Farrant from the comfort of their classrooms.

 

A pupil who participated in Janelle McCurdy’s workshop on Lightcasters said "I loved drawing my own Umbra. I thought it was good because she liked Pokémon like me." "I was inspired that I can write stories about my own experiences, especially at school" said Elaina from Down Ampney CofE Primary School.

 

These enrichment opportunities would not have been possible without the generosity of The Winstone Charitable Trust. The funding they provided enabled children to be transported to the festival and experience these fantastic author workshops. We are very grateful for their support and look forward to more reading events as we progress throughout the year.

 

We are also grateful to the local schools and teachers who are taking part in our project; dedicating time to enrich reading opportunities for all pupils within their schools.

 

Rachael Scott, School Improvement Lead, Corinium Education Trust

This year (2023-2024) The Corinium Education Trust is working closely with a wider group of schools in the South Cotswolds to promote reading. This collaborative Year of Reading project, ably steered by Rachael Scott, our School Improvement Lead (Primary), involves other partners and aims to ensure all pupils can read at least in line with their chronological age and do so for pleasure too!

 

‘This is just the beginning! As all teachers know, we learn best from the successful practice of others. Taking part in a project which enables local schools to ‘magpie’ teaching strategies, share effective practice and foster a love of Reading is a privilege. Throughout the year children will be inspired by authors, share their favourite literature and celebrate reading. Meanwhile, their teachers will be working on action research projects. These will be evaluated and the impact shared to further develop the teaching of reading in future years.’ Rachael Scott, School Improvement Lead (Primary).

 

Following the soft launch of our local ‘Year of Reading’ which was generously hosted by The Barn Theatre in May 2023, we have secured additional funding to support this critical initiative. This will help primary and secondary school teachers encourage and support reluctant and disadvantaged readers, which, in turn, will help them access the wider curriculum and fulfil richer lives.

 

‘It has been an absolute pleasure to see this project develop from an initial idea inspired by Roy Blatchford at our local conference in November 2022 to the rich and diverse programme of engaging reading activities that are being trialled and pioneered across a wide group of schools this academic year. The professionalism and commitment of the teachers and school leaders involved is highly commendable and I am confident that their enthusiasm and practice will draw in even the most reluctant readers.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), The Corinium Education Trust.

 

In July, we were delighted to learn that our bid for support from Gloucestershire County Council’s ‘Levelling Up Disadvantage’ fund was successful. This financial resource will ensure participating schools have the capacity to engage in and evaluate the impact of their reading-focused action research. This will help us to identify and apply strong and effective practice and strengthen outcomes in reading across all schools. Schools involved in the project have each taken a different aspect of teaching reading and to help us measure the impact of our work together over the course of the year, we are using common assessments. These will identify pupils’ starting points and record their progress.

 

Reading is a core part of any school’s curriculum and is an important life skill. However, we want to ensure all children become life-long readers for pleasure. We aim to enrich their experience of reading and to provide encouragement and inspiration by introducing them to a rich and diverse range of books and some familiar and much-loved authors. This takes us beyond the scope of our current school budgets as education funding is extremely tight and headteachers and their teams are, therefore, necessarily focused on the core essentials.

 

To further aid engagement in this critical reading project and to enable our most disadvantaged pupils to take part in enrichment activities which will expand their horizons, we are immensely grateful to the trustees of The Winstone Charitable Trust for their significant contribution to the programme. This will enable pupils to take part in wider reading opportunities and enrichment activities, especially those who are least exposed to reading at home and have otherwise limited access to cultural events.

 

‘The Winstone Trust is pleased to provide the funding for this important initiative by The Corinium Education Trust to bring together schools in Cirencester and the South Cotswolds for this ‘Year of Reading’. This project will focus particularly on disadvantaged pupils and those children with the lowest reading assessments, but it is sad to see that in today’s world it requires private charitable funds to run such an important project. The Corinium Education Trust is to be congratulated in stepping up to this challenge.’ Dr Andrew Ives, Trustee, The Winstone Trust.

 

As a direct consequence of this additional funding, we are able to ensure that the least experienced readers across a wide group of schools in Cirencester and the South Cotswolds are being supported. Many are participating in ‘Reading Stars’ led by the team from Forest Green Rovers. They, and others, are also being given the opportunity to participate in events at the Cheltenham Literature Festival and the Stroud Book Festival, both in person and virtually.

 

Pupils at Down Ampney C of E Primary School are enjoying ‘Reading Stars’:

‘We have learnt about skimming and scanning as well as a discussion about the purposes to read.’ ‘We have chatted about which books we enjoy reading and why.’  'Other things that we have discussed include why sometimes when we read aloud it can seem muddled in our head.’  ‘The men who run our sessions are very kind and listen to our opinions and give us all a chance to speak.’  ‘We have some activities to do between the sessions and we really like doing these as it gives us something to talk about at the start of the next session.’ 

On Monday 4 September 2023, staff in each of the Corinium Education Trust’s schools returned after the summer break, although many had been in over the summer to prepare for the new school year. Areas of Siddington C of E Primary School have been brightened up with fresh paint and, after nearly a year of roofing works, staff areas at Cirencester Deer Park School have also been refreshed.

 

Our Inset (in-service training) Day in each school focused on our shared priorities for the term ahead, introduced our new management information system, Bromcom, and provided updates on ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023.’ New staff were introduced and our new Headteacher at Siddington C of E Primary School seized the opportunity to work with her team to set out their expectations and within the first week they all took to the water to bond while paddleboarding!

 

At Siddington C of E Primary School the staff welcomed their new staffroom which was created with reused and upcycled goods and plenty of teamwork. The children are excited to be back with their friends and teachers:

‘I have already played a few games of table tennis and can already tell that I will be losing - a lot. During the afternoon, the children are excited to tell me their summer stories whilst enjoying the daily mile. I am very proud of how the children have settled into a routine. Even our youngest members settled remarkably well into lessons on their first morning.’  Louise Lennox, Headteacher, Siddington C of E Primary School.

 

Staff at Chesterton Primary School also faced temporary changes to the school’s learning environment owing to the on-going refurbishment, but, while initially daunted by the task, everyone pulled together to help ensure the school was ready for the teaching and learning on Tuesday 5 September. One teacher was especially delighted:

‘The Reception Class has been beautifully refurbished to create a welcoming and flexible learning environment that allows the children to access both outside and inside spaces independently. It’s lovely to be next door to Year 1 and Year 2 as it will help the children to feel part of the wider school community.’

 

All pupils across the Trust were welcomed back to school on Tuesday 5 September 2023 and special care was taken to support those making the transition from Pre-school to Reception and from Year 6 to Year 7. Siddington C of E Primary School were delighted to celebrate 100% attendance on the first day of term.

 

Pupils and staff at Kemble Primary School also had something to celebrate. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the school and special events are planned: 

‘We are looking forward to holding our tea party for past pupils and staff to commemorate our 150th anniversary. This will be an opportunity for our pupils to find out about the history of Kemble School and share some insights into education in 2023.’ Emma Morrogh-Ryan, Headteacher, Kemble Primary School.

 

Emma Morrogh-Ryan and her team are also excited about the term ahead:

‘As usual, this year has begun with our big question. This enables our pupils to think about how we can meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This term we are thinking about SDG 13 Climate Action, ‘Who does climate change affect?’ All classes began studying the same text in English lessons, ‘Flooded’ by Mariajo Ilustrajo. To aid everyone’s understanding, the school has been transformed into a flood zone as we explore the themes of coming together and community.’ 

 

Owing to the heatwave in the first week back, Headteacher, Richard Clutterbuck and his team at Cirencester Deer Park School, made an exception to the normal uniform guidelines and pupils were able to wear their PE kits if they chose to. This provided welcome respite and helped get the new school year off to a great start:

‘I was pleased to welcome our pupils back to school on Tuesday 5 September 2023. Our pupils in Year 8 to Year 11 have quickly settled back into the routines of school, seamlessly picking up on our school values of Trust, Kindness, and Determination. Our new pupils in Year 7 have made an extremely positive impression on all our staff and have brought a smiley, but steely determination to their learning.’ Richard Clutterbuck, Headteacher, Cirencester Deer Park School. 

On Monday 24 July 2023, the first day of the summer holiday, the construction company, Barnwood, moved on site at Chesterton Primary School to begin the first phase of an ambitious refurbishment scheme which will significantly improve the learning environment for the school’s pupils and staff.

 

‘Since sponsoring the school in 2018, The Corinium Education Trust has been determined to bring about much needed improvements to the internal layout at Chesterton Primary School and we have actively approached several funding bodies to help secure our goals. We are immensely grateful to The Winstone Charitable Trust which is generously supporting this project. They share our determination to improve the learning environment for the school’s present pupils, and those yet to come, and recognise the school’s importance and the positive impact these physical improvements will have on the community it serves.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), The Corinium Education Trust.

 

This ambitious refurbishment scheme, which has been over 4 years in planning, will improve the welcome to the school by providing a new reception area at the front of the school and an inviting community kitchen with additional office space for meetings. It will also ensure pupils and staff have light and airy areas in which to learn and work. There will be a new classroom in the main part of the school for the children starting school in September and, significantly, the project will support the school’s drive to make everyone a reader by providing a new library.

 

‘We are absolutely delighted that The Winstone Charitable Trust has so generously funded this significant investment in the buildings at Chesterton Primary School. Following the appointment of Libby Pringle as Headteacher in 2022, this investment will complement the steps she has already taken to breathe new life into the school, develop the curriculum and strengthen local partnerships.’ Martin McLeman, Chair of Trustees, The Corinium Education Trust.

 

We are very grateful to all the staff at the school for the flexibility they have shown. They helped prepare for the construction team’s arrival at relatively short notice and many of them will be working in temporary locations on site until the work is finished in the autumn. They contributed to clearing areas and will continue to sort through the wealth of resources to determine what they want to keep and let go. There is a shared appreciation that in September it will be ‘short term pain for long term gain’!

 

‘The refurbishments will create a warm, welcoming environment that reflects the atmosphere of the school. I am most excited about the new library which will be an engaging space to stimulate the children's lifetime love of reading.’ Member of staff at Chesterton Primary School.

 

‘I am very grateful to The Winstone Charitable Trust for their incredibly generous donation which is enabling us to regenerate our buildings and offer a newly improved and sustainable environment for our children, families and community. The work will make a significant difference to our learning and community spaces. It is an exciting investment in the future of the school.’ Libby Pringle, Headteacher.

 

‘This project is transforming the learning spaces for the children and providing an invaluable hub for the local community. We are extremely grateful to The Winstone Charitable Trust for their funding for this important project, and to the teams who have made this happen with minimal disruption to the school, including consultant architects, Roberts Limbrick, Barnwood Construction, AFA and Hewers.’ Tessa Rollings, Director of Finance and Operations, The Corinium Education Trust. 

 

Following an initial inquiry from Nicholas Fisher, Chair of Governors, at Sherborne C of E Primary School in January 2023 and subsequent discussions with the school, the Diocese of Gloucester and Gloucestershire County Council, we are delighted to learn that the school has been granted conditional consent to join The Corinium Education Trust in 2023-24.

 

‘We are very excited to welcome Sherborne C of E Primary School into our family of schools. The next few months will be busy for us as we begin to work even more closely in partnership with the school and the Diocese in preparation for their conversion into an academy.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO)

 

Over the last 8 months, Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO), and Martin McLeman, Chair of Trustees, have been liaising with Nicholas Fisher and John Moore, Headteacher. This has led to wider introductions, meetings with staff and governors, and reciprocal due diligence.

 

‘We are delighted to be working alongside Governors and Staff at Sherborne C of E Primary School. We are very much looking forward to strengthening our partnership. As with all partnership working, it is of great benefit to all parties concerned and the level of openness and transparency and our shared values has provided a very firm foundation for a thriving future for the children at Sherborne C of E Primary School.’ Martin McLeman, Chair of Trustees, The Corinium Education Trust

 

‘Since being founded by Lord Sherborne 200 years ago in an idyllic part of the Cotswolds, Sherborne C of E Primary School has been recognised as providing its pupils with an invaluable and unique preparation for senior school and beyond. The Governors are thrilled at the prospect of joining The Corinium Education Trust and look forward to contributing to the further success of this high-achieving partnership.’ Nick Fisher, Chair of Governors, Sherborne C of E Primary School

 

Furthermore, Education Consultant, Dave Smith, and Rachael Scott, the Trust’s School Improvement Lead (Primary), worked with John Moore and undertook a quality of education review at Sherborne C of E Primary School in May 2023. This helped the Trust understand the school’s strengths and areas for development. It also prepared school staff for a successful Ofsted Inspection which took place in July 2023.

 

‘Sherborne C of E Primary School is a welcome addition to The Corinium Education Trust. The school will be our second Church school and an excellent partner for Siddington C of E Primary School. There is much that we can learn from each other.’ Chiquita Henson, Trust Lead (CEO).

 

Sherborne’s Headteacher, John Moore, has already contributed positively to the Trust’s Leadership Group and Emmie Penfold, one of the school’s Foundation Governors, has visited Siddington C of E Primary School. She was impressed by the school’s ethos and quality of the Act of Worship she attended.

 

‘We are all very excited about becoming an academy and joining The Corinium Education Trust. As a school set in a village owned and maintained by the National Trust, and with a track record of superb pastoral care and incredible enrichment opportunities for all its children, we believe Sherborne C of E Primary School will bring something new to the Trust and our partnership will be of mutual benefit to all.’ John Moore, Headteacher, Sherborne C of E Primary School

 

Sherborne C of E Primary School is a small school situated the beautiful National Trust Village of Sherborne, just off the A40, north of Cirencester.