As of 1st February, Foljambe Primary School and Thrybergh Academy have officially joined Wickersley Partnership Trust, bringing the total number of schools under WPT’s umbrella to 13.
The decision for the schools to academise under the Trust comes after headteachers, David Burnham and Beverley Tate-Brier, strive to achieve an outstanding school status – echoing WPT’s key aim ‘to send every young person into the world able and qualified to play their full role in it.’
Joining WPT means that:
- The schools receive funding directly from the government rather than local authorities
- There is more control over how things are done within the schools
- More support and advice is readily available to raise the standards of the schools
David Burnham, Headteacher at Thrybergh Academy said: “We are delighted to officially become part of Wickersley Partnership Trust after having been supported by the Trust for the past two years. The support that the school has had means that we are now in a position to drive forward our aim of providing all of our students with an outstanding education. Being part of a local multi-academy trust is important for us because all of the schools within it truly have a voice and this meanest he needs of our communities are fully understood and catered for. Thrybergh Academy is now part of a caring, ambitious family of schools and we look forward to what the future holds for our students, staff and local community.”
The Trust has worked with both headteachers to put plans in place to get the ball rolling to achieve the visions for the school.
The first official project is to improve the facilities at Foljambe Primary School by rebuilding the campus. Construction works on the building start at the end of February, with Foljambe students temporarily moving to Thrybergh Primary School during the build. Projections for the build include:
- Extensive roof works and the installation of cladding
- Demolition of building to the front of the school, and construction of new building and corridor
- Full electrical rewire of the whole site which will include new LED lighting throughout
- Installation of new boilers/water heaters
- Full refurbishment of all classrooms, communal areas and toilet blocks
- Installation of new outdoor provisions in KS1 and foundation stage including a multi-use games area
Beverley Tate-Brier, Headteacher at Foljambe Primary School said: “This is a very exciting time for the future of Foljambe. We have been working in partnership with Wickersley Partnership Trust for some time now and we are proud of the changes we have already made in moving the school forward. We cannot wait for the building work to take place to give our children and their families an environment that they deserve.”
WPT will keep you updated on the progress of the build throughout the works so make sure you follow their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.
Steve Calvert, Chair of Directors at Wickersley Partnership Trust added: “The Trust had long discussions about whether we should bring Thrybergh into our family of schools – lots of debates about financial risks and capacity.
“In the end the core question was ‘did we feel we could help the students become happier and have better life outcomes?’ and we believe the answer is yes. We are delighted to bring the schools on board and I’m sure the talented team and amazing students will ensure it’ll be a success story for years to come.”
Helen O’Brien, CEO at Wickersley Partnership Trust concluded: “At Wickersley Partnership Trust, we aspire to send all young people into an ever-changing world, able and qualified to play their full part in it. The students at Thrybergh Academy and Foljambe Primary deserve every opportunity to meet these same goals.
“We have worked with both schools for two years and already have a strong and embedded ethos of collaboration between our schools.
“We are building on the school curriculum to provide rich opportunities for learning, both within and outside the classroom, and will ensure all stakeholders are empowered to work in partnership.
“We have already begun the regeneration of the primary campus and look forward to opening this new site with its extensive improvements.”
