TWO successful primary schools, which have shared a head teacher for the past year, have joined forces to become a multi-academy trust.
Executive head teacher of High Coniscliffe and St Mary’s Cockerton primary schools Wendy Aitken has led the formation of the Dove Academy Trust heralding a new era in joint working.
The academy conversion will also open up greater opportunities for the 316 pupils allowing for inter-school competitions and affordable travel to a host of events.
The conversion means that North-East educational experts the Avec Partnership have now supported 100 schools through the process. The company has expanded rapidly in recent years to meet the demand from schools to support academy status and provide expert advice in areas such as HR, governance and finance.
Mrs Aitken said: “Forming a single trust gives us greater economies of scale and allows us to open up a variety of new opportunities for all the children.”
The new badge incorporates elements of both school logos including the oak leaf from High Coniscliffe and nurturing hand from St Mary’s Cockerton, which now share the design with an overarching dove.
Avec director Sarah Monk said: “Both schools have been working together for some time which will make the transition much easier. Joint staff training sessions have already been staged and staff and children will benefit greatly from sharing resources and partnership opportunities.”
Mrs Aitken added: “Both schools are lovely and very popular with children, parents and staff. Becoming a multi-academy trust makes our success more sustainable and sets out an even brighter future for learning.”