Delight as Pinnacle Learning Trust is set to take over as Werneth Primary sponsor
Date published: 26 October 2018
The Werneth Primary School
The Department for Education has revealed that a local multi-academy trust (MAT) has been identified to be the new sponsor of Werneth Primary School in Oldham.
The Pinnacle Learning Trust is a strong, values-driven, well-run local MAT set up by The Hathershaw College and Oldham Sixth Form College (both highly performing colleges committed to the local area and developing an all-phase MAT).
It also has a Teaching School, the Advantage Teaching School Alliance, led by Oldham Sixth Form College, at its heart.
It is the intention that, subject to the usual due diligence process, Pinnacle will formally become the sponsor of Werneth Primary early in the New Year after the Regional Schools Commissioner for Lancashire and West Yorkshire approved the move, which followed approval by Pinnacle’s Board of Trustees.
Conrad North, Werneth Primary School Principal, said: “I believe that Pinnacle will be an excellent sponsor for Werneth.
"It is a very well-run, local Trust that has the same ethos as our school, and it will also provide a great opportunity for us to create an all-through school scenario for our local children and families, should they want it.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for our children and families, as well as for our brilliant staff.
"This is an excellent local solution and has real potential to support the school on its strong journey of improvement.”
Jayne Clarke, Executive Principal of Pinnacle Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been approved by the Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner for Lancashire and West Yorkshire to sponsor Werneth Primary School.
“We are committed to giving all children and young people in our Trust family the very best education so that they fulfil their potential and can achieve in all areas.
"We are looking forward to supporting the pupils and staff at Werneth, and working collaboratively with parents and other partners.”
Werneth Primary is set to join Pinnacle from controversial previous sponsor Bright Tribe Trust.
Bright Tribe and its academies have been operating under a new Board of Trustees and interim executive leadership since late summer.
Bright Tribe’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Angela Barry, said: "I am pleased that a new sponsor has been identified for Werneth Primary School.
"This is an exciting new chapter for the school under a new multi-academy trust which will provide the pupils, parents and staff with the support, expertise and stability that will deliver a high-quality education.”
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