A CARRBROOK primary school is destined for better things after joining a trust, it believes.
Buckton Vale, on Swallow Lane, is now part of the Ashton-based Victorious Academies Trust after opting out of council control.
Under the terms of the agreement, nothing drastic can change without the authority’s say so – nothing drastic like changing school times or days can happen as documents state: “No variation shall be valid unless recorded in writing and signed by a duly authorised representative of each of the parties.”
The Correspondent has learned Victorious Academies Trust earmarked Buckton Vale Primary as its governing body had been considering joining a trust for some time, as they were keen for their staff to be part of a strong group of schools based locally with whom they could work together and develop good practice.
The Government’s White Paper supported their preference and after several months of investigating options and evaluating their position and needs, it was decided to link up with the body which also runs Arundale, Discovery Academy and Pinfold in Hattersley, Audenshaw’s Poplar Street, Stalybridge’s Wild Bank, Yew Tree in Dukinfield and Ashton’s Inspire Academy.
That means all equipment, facilities and fixtures and fittings are now owned by Victorious, who pay a peppercorn rent for the site.
It will also assume the obligations of the council and/or the governing body and has paid all Tameside Council’s costs as it struck the deal.
Documents on the transfer add: “The council, the governing body and the company agree to work together in good faith to achieve a smooth transition which best meets the needs of pupils transferring from the school to the academy.”
News of the move to Victorious has been greeted with huge enthusiasm by Deborah Brown, Headteacher at Buckton Vale.
She said: “We decided to join Victorious Academies Trust because our values align.
“Our CEO Karen Burns trusts her school leaders by offering autonomy whilst creating opportunities for schools to connect and learn together.
“We are really looking forward to collaborating with schools across the Trust so we can offer the best possible education for our children.”
Karen Burns, CEO at Victorious Academies Trust added: “We are a rapidly evolving medium-sized trust this gives the schools that join us an opportunity to have a key role in helping to shape its future development.
“One of the key elements of our vision is to have a symbiotic relationship between the trust and the schools who join us in that they can access our services and we can benefit from the schools in our Victorious family sharing the expertise they have.
“Our Trust Core Team is well organised, with strong local knowledge and a strong desire to develop us further.
“Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do across all areas and roles, not just teaching.
“Our vision is to grow our Trust from within, providing opportunities for existing staff to support and lead the schools alongside welcoming new expertise and innovation to ensure we are constantly developing’.”