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South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust launched in March 2021 in a move to strengthen education across the area. Chetwynde School, in Barrow, was the first to join the Trust, which aims to improve education for young people. Vickerstown Primary and Brambles Nursery School, on Walney, and Ormsgill Primary School and Nursery, joined in Autumn 2022. South Walney Juniors, Cambridge Primary and Newbarns Primary and Nursery School joined in Autumn 2023.

SCMAT Chief Executive Professor Andrew Wren said:

“This innovative new trust will have education at its heart and a real focus on pupils achieving their full potential and gaining valuable academic and life skills.”

“We were impressed with the professionalism of the SCMAT staff, how they listened and responded to our questions and reassured us that, above all, they valued and wanted to retain the individuality of our school. I know we will also benefit from the enhanced expertise that being part of a bigger organisation will bring.”

Vickerstown Headteacher David Holmes

“When I approached Andrew as CEO of the SCMAT, I was inspired by his leadership and vision for how he sees the SCMAT supporting schools across the educational spectrum. Senior staff from the Trust were also impressed by and fully supportive of the important role our school plays at the heart of the Ormsgill community.”

Ormsgill Primary School Headteacher Mick Cull 

The move has been welcomed by education leaders and the wider community in Cumbria, including other colleges and universities. Partners in the MAT will benefiting from connections with the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Education where Professor Wren is professor of practice.