A primary school in Selby could be set to become an academy after a consultation was launched over its future.
Selby Community Primary, based in Flaxley Road, is proposing to join the newly formed Selby Education Trust in a move it says will ensure high standards of education for pupils.
Until now, North Yorkshire County Council has funded and maintained control over the school in its capacity as local education authority for the Selby area. If the proposals are green-lit control will be transferred to the new trust where funding will come directly from the government as an officially recognised Multi-Academy Trust.
The new trust is backed by Selby College and is planned as a 'collaborative partnership' between schools and college partners. This, they say, will enable all parties to share best teaching practices and experiences.
Ian Clennan, head teacher at the school, said, “By joining Selby Educational Trust, our school will be part of a larger organisation with a deliberate Selby focus, with each partner benefitting and contributing to a shared vision that every child in Selby and the surrounding area deserves a high-quality education. If plans proceed, it means we can maximise young people’s achievements, shape their lives and by doing so help transform the community we jointly serve.”
Former Barlby High head, Francis Loftus, has been named chief executive of the new trust. He said, “It was great news to hear that Selby Community Primary School had agreed to join this new education partnership. Selby Educational Trust aims to grow by supporting a small number of other schools in the area. The Trust provides high levels of support to the Head Teachers and individual schools in a context or earned autonomy.”
“Each partner has the potential to both provide and receive support from other partner schools and the college, offering excellent opportunities for development and growth within the Trust. Acting as a critical friend, the Trust will provide high levels of support, setting and monitoring key targets to drive up performance whilst providing training and professional development and a highly supportive environment, allowing Head Teachers and senior teams in schools to focus on the core values of teaching and learning.”
A parents meeting has been called to discuss the proposals at 9 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, May 18th. Anybody with queries can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
