'A new & exciting chapter'- St John's Catholic Primary School joins multi academy trust
A primary school in Poulton-le-Fylde says it is beginning “a new and exciting chapter” as it joins a wider multi academy trust.
Earlier this month, Ofsted received an Academy Conversion Letter from St John's Catholic Primary School on Breck Road.
Dated March 5, the letter confirms that the school - last rated a combination of ‘Requires improvement’, ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ grades by Ofsted in 2024 - will still retain its name, despite now being part of the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Why has St John’s become an academy?
The school launched an Academy Consultation back in 2024, within which it stated that “all the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lancaster have been invited by our bishop, Rev Paul Swarbrick to consider converting to an academy and join a Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MAT)... by 2026”.
Expressing their view of the potential academisation, the Governors of St. John’s Catholic Primary School added that it was “an exciting opportunity”.
In the letter sent out to parents in November that year, headteacher Nicola Sayers and Chair of Governers Carol Gregson further explained the reason why they were considering joining the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
They wrote: “The rationale behind the Bishop’s vision for academy trusts is to make sure that we protect, preserve and promote Catholic education within the Diocese of Lancaster. The Catholic Multi Academy Trust model will ensure that the uniqueness of each individual school is celebrated and the unique contribution of each is recognised and appreciated. It will also mean that no individual school will be left isolated or vulnerable in a rapidly changing and complex environment. The aim is also to facilitate greater sharing, adding strength and capacity to the system and ensuring that all schools are supported.”
It was then following this consultation with parents, staff, parish and the wider community that the school made the decision to join the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
Has the school said anything since submitting its conversion letter?
Headteacher Nicola Sayers told the Gazette: “Joining the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for St. John's.
“As a Catholic school we are passionate about providing an excellent Catholic education for our children.
“Becoming part of the Trust strengthens our mission, allowing us to collaborate more closely with other Catholic schools that share our values and vision, bringing enhanced opportunities for our pupils, staff and families.
“We remain deeply committed to preserving the unique identity and strong community spirit that make our school so special.
“Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do and joining the Trust will bring even more opportunities for our pupils to grow, flourish and succeed - academically, spiritually and personally.
“We look forward to working together with the Trust to ensure the very best outcomes for all our children, now and in the future."
What is the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust?
Set up in 2014, the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust manages a total of 18 schools all across the Fylde Coast.
This includes 17 primary schools and one secondary school across 13 different Catholic parishes.
The Trust says its foundational principles “centre on holistic education, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and fostering a culture of collaboration to advance the Common Good within our community.”
They add: “At the heart of our mission lies a collective sense of responsibility deeply rooted in our Catholic faith. We wholeheartedly strive to nurture spiritual, academic, and financial growth within each school, dedicated to unlocking the full potential and God-given talents of all children and young people.”
Which other schools are in the trust?
As well as St John's Catholic Primary School, the other schools under the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust are:
- Christ The King Catholic Academy
- Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
- St. Cuthbert's Catholic Academy
- St. Kentigern's Catholic Primary School
- St. Mary's Catholic Academy
- St. Mary's Catholic Primary School
- St. Teresa's Catholic Primary School
- St. Wulstan's & St. Edmund's Catholic Academy
- Holy Family Catholic Primary School
- St William's Catholic Primary School
- Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary School
- St John Vianney's Catholic Primary School
- The Willows Catholic Primary School
- Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Warton
- St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
- St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Fleetwood
- St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School