Marling School is set to enter into a partnership with Lift Schools.
The Board of Trustees of Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust (CBAT) has voted to enter into a formal partnership with Lift Schools, the first step in exploring a potential merger with Lift Schools, a national network of 57 schools.
CBAT also includes Berkeley Primary School and Callowell Primary School, and Cam Woodfield Junior School.
The proposed partnership aims to secure long-term stability and provide new opportunities within the trust as the national educational landscape continues to evolve.
This partnership would offer many benefits to all CBAT Schools, their children and their families; including, enriched educational experiences and opportunities, strong school improvement and operational support services, and excellent opportunities for staff development.
The CBAT board have confirmed that Lift Schools has been identified as the preferred future partner following a careful evaluation of several potential organisations. They said the move would allow all CBAT schools to continue thriving while gaining access to additional support and resources from a larger, values-driven trust.
Duncan Cook, CEO of CBAT said: “This is an exciting step for all CBAT schools. Lift Schools share our commitment to inclusive, high-quality education and to supporting schools in a way that respects their unique identity and community ethos. We are confident that this partnership has the potential to bring great benefits to our staff and, most importantly, to our pupils and their families.”
“We are particularly excited that partnering with Lift Schools will mean that all of our schools can benefit from the collaboration and mutual sharing of best practice that comes with being part of a trust that also has a number of high performing primary and secondary schools within it.”
Rebecca Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools said: “We are pleased that the CBAT board have unanimously voted to proceed with Lift Schools as their preferred partner as they move into this next chapter. We look forward to now beginning the due diligence process to explore in more detail the context and needs of each CBAT school.”
Lift Schools already operates several high-performing primary schools in Gloucestershire, including Brockworth Primary Academy, Offa’s Mead Primary Academy, and The Ridge Academy. Across Lift’s primary schools, 89% of pupils pass the phonics screening check and 77% meet the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at Key Stage 2 – placing them amongst the top performing trusts in the country.”
While there will be no significant day-to-day changes for parents or pupils, CBAT has confirmed that Lift Schools will begin providing support in areas such as teaching and learning, finance, and operations over the coming months. Staff from CBAT schools will also begin working with colleagues across the trust to share expertise and best practice.
The formal process is expected to progress over the summer term, with CBAT pledging to keep parents, carers and staff informed throughout.
