DEARHAM AND FLIMBY SCHOOLS IN WEST CUMBRIA HAVE BECOME THE NEXT PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO JOIN A LOCAL MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST.
Dearham Primary and Flimby Primary Schools were given the go ahead by the Department for Education to join West Lakes Multi-Academy Trust on 1st September 2020. The Trust is sponsored by Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the University of Central Lancashire and receives state funding to support schools and its vision to “change lives through learning”. By joining West Lakes MAT, staff will share their expertise, knowledge and skills to collaborate with other members of now five academies and improve education in West Cumbria even further.
Jacqui Wilson, Headteacher at Flimby Primary School, said a period of consultation had taken place, which led to the decision for the schools to become academies. She said: “I think I speak on behalf of everyone at Flimby when I say we already feel incredibly supported by the team at WLMAT. I would like to thank them and the Trust Board for having us in the Trust. We are very excited and honoured to be officially joining the Trust and look forward to the future and the opportunities we will be able to offer our children and staff.”
Lindsay Walker, Headteacher at Dearham Primary School, said: “We are delighted to join West Lakes Multi-Academy Trust, who will provide a secure and bright future for the children and staff at Dearham Primary School. Dearham Primary School has always prided itself on the wealth of educational and aspirational opportunities for the children entrusted to their care and the Trust can further develop and compliment this ambition. We are very excited to be starting on this journey together.”
In a joint statement the Chairs of Governors of both schools, Louise Maguire (Dearham) and Jimmy Nelson (Flimby) said: “We are proud to become part of West Lakes Multi-Academy Trust. Our decision is the result of significant strategic planning and engagement, and we are energised by the opportunities to collaborate across the Trust to further improve the educational outcomes for the communities we serve. Our schools are still the same as they were yesterday, our teachers are still providing the same high-quality education as they always have been, but the Trust will allow us to thrive in ways we could not have previously imagined.”
Jonathan Johnson, Chief Executive of West Lakes MAT, said: “Particular thanks should go to the Governing Boards who saw this as the next logical step in the growth and improvement of the schools. Along with Arlecdon and Thornhill Schools we will strengthen the expertise we already have to change lives through learning in the primary years; sharing resources, enhancing teaching and learning for all our children and young people. I am excited about what we can achieve together. Putting the children first is fundamental to our vision: we are committed to raising standards and ensuring equality of access to opportunities that are second to none which change lives through learning.”
