Education officials approve new MAT schools

Education officials have approved applications by three schools to join South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust from September 2023.

The Regional Director, who oversees the academy system in the north-west, gave the go-ahead for Newbarns Primary and Nursery School, South Walney Juniors and Cambridge Primary School to academise at a meeting this month.

Welcoming the news, SCMAT Chief Executive Professor Andrew Wren said it was a hugely positive step forward for education.

“We are delighted that our Trust will start the new term with six excellent schools, one further school awaiting approval and several others have contacted me to express an interest to join in the coming months.

“The Department for Education has shown great faith in the progress we are making as a Trust, our growth plan and the impact we have started to have with our member schools.

“The schools will be an excellent fit in our Trust, they will bring a wealth of expertise whilst benefiting greatly from the open and collaborative manner in which we operate.”

The South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust is led by Furness College and began in 2021 with education at its heart and a real focus on pupils achieving their full potential and gaining valuable academic and life skills.

It is committed to providing excellent education across Barrow-in-Furness and the surrounding areas and will work with industry and the wider community.

Headteachers of the three schools joining in September said they were delighted approval had been granted.

Gary Birkett, head of Newbarns Primary and Nursery School, said: “The help and support we are already receiving from the Trust, its current member schools, and those with membership pending, has been well received.  Although our schools are all quite different from each other, the senior leaders all share a common vision and are determined to work collaboratively, share expertise and resources.”

Zena Lines, head of South Walney Juniors, and Jenny Lavery, head of Cambridge Primary School, both said they were looking forward to making progress under SCMAT with a shared goal towards school improvement and collaboration.

Zena said: “We see this as a positive step towards providing high quality education for our children and we are excited for the future of South Walney Junior School.”

Since it began, the Trust has led a number of initiatives focused on curriculum improvements, staff professional development and inclusive community events including the school MegaMAT Games.

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