24 March 2022
The Department for Education has recently approved an application for Broughton Primary to join forces with Fairfield Primary under the Learning for Life Multi Academy Trust. As high performing single academies, Broughton and Fairfield aim to develop centralised systems and structures that will not only allow for efficiencies within the organisation but will allow the schools to share their strengths and allow them to grow and develop further. In addition, the schools can formally work together on projects to enhance provision and opportunities for all of the children in their care.
The Trust has a vision to create an effective partnership of ambitious schools collaborating to ensure that everybody is supported in reaching their full potential. This expansion is a wonderful step forward for the Trust and has hopefully set them on a path to future growth opportunities.
Chris Steele (Headteacher of Fairfield) has been leading on the development and management of the Trust and said, ‘I am delighted that the DfE has approved the merger. It comes after a lot of hard work from a lot of people and it will certainly improve outcomes and opportunities for children within the Trust. We are now stepping through the transfer process with an aim for the merger to be complete for September 1st 2022. This will not only improve outcomes and opportunities for pupils in the schools but also staff and anybody associated with the Trust. I would like to thank everybody involved in our schools as they have worked so hard through what has been a very challenging period’.
Vicky Bennett, Chair of Trustees, said, ‘The Trust is delighted that we will have two strong schools within the MAT. Our approach is based on collaboration and so it’s great to see how already the school leaders are working together to ensure our children receive the best education.’
Broughton Primary, led by Headteacher Anna Bewsher, has been a successful standalone academy for a number of years. Speaking about the merger, Anna said, ‘We are excited to have the opportunity to enter into a formal partnership with Fairfield Primary School, as part of the Learning for Life Multi Academy Trust. This transfer will enable us to strengthen our collaboration with a local primary school who share the same vision and high expectations for their pupils, and support us in the further development of our wonderful, village school. Maintaining the individuality of the schools within the trust is extremely important and there are no plans to change the name or identity of our school. We are moving towards the transfer with confidence and positivity, welcoming the opportunities this will bring for our pupils and school team.'
Fairfield Primary School has also just re-opened the fully re-furbished classrooms in their middle building following a full roof and ceiling replacement project. The project, funded by the government through the competitive Condition Improvement Fund programme, was supported by the Trust and has led to hugely improved classroom conditions for the children. The project is the second structural project to be completed in two years at Fairfield as the Trust look to develop their estate to offer the very best for the pupils within their schools.
To support further expansion, the Trust is looking to expand the Board of Trustees. If you’re interested in supporting the Trust with its aims, please contact csteele@learningforlifeTrust.co.uk.