A NEW Multi-Academy Trust set-up by the Diocese of Worcester has gained approval to provide support for teachers, governors and parents across the city.
Created by the Diocesan Board of Education to provide central services such as human resources, finance, school improvement and legal support, the Education Commissioner recently gave the Trust the green light.
There are already 16 schools waiting to sign up to the Trust, which is open to both Church schools and maintained schools, once they complete the process of becoming academies.
The first wave of five schools will join the Trust in early 2017.
Karen Surrall, chief executive of the Multi-Academy Trust, said: “We wanted to give schools the option to become part of an academy with very clear Christian values and vision. Any school is welcome to join our Trust, but it must be prepared to work in harmony with our values and be providing a broad and balanced curriculum.”
The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, said: “The Church of England is rightly credited with having provided the foundation of the education system in this country.
“Since then, the church’s commitment to providing excellent educational opportunities for all in the local community, especially the poor, has remained constant.
“Throughout all of the radical and rapid changes, the Church has worked in partnership with the government to improve standards and has also striven to promote Christian values in education.
“The new Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust will enable that endeavour to continue to flourish. The Trust will ease pressure on headteachers and governors faced with difficult decisions about school organisation and support, as well as enable the schools who join to work together for the good of all.
“I offer my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to all who have worked so hard to establish this Trust.”
E-mail Ms Surrall on [email protected] for more information.
