Consultation launched over Kesgrave High School plans to become multi-academy trust
Kesgrave High School Headteacher Nigel Burgoyne - Credit: Archant
Kesgrave High School could become a multi-academy trust (MAT) with primary schools in east Ipswich and Suffolk if plans by the board of governors are approved.
The school, based in Main Road, Kesgrave, converted to an academy in 2011, and has now launched a consultation over whether to launch a multi-academy trust.
A letter written by Sue White, chairwoman of the governing board, and headteacher Nigel Burgoyne said: “The governors of Kesgrave High School have been looking at the option of converting to a MAT for some time as a natural progression of the school’s development.
“Even with recent changes, the Government remains committed to schools converting to academies and the establishment of MATs. Kesgrave High School is keen to be a part of this development and the governors believe that now is the right time for the establishment of a MAT.”
While still in the early stages of the consultation, the school states that initially it would aim to establish the multi-academy structure before adding any other schools, but would look at working alongside primary schools within its catchment area and east Ipswich.
Mr Burgoyne added: “It’s really about benefits of sharing resources and giving continuity to youngsters.
“We want to keep it to something small scale that serves the local area.
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“It’s the direction of travel where education policy is going, and being a more joined up network of other schools.”
A consultation meeting takes place at the school on Tuesday evening. The consultation closes on Friday, October 21.
Earlier this year three primary schools in Kesgrave and Martlesham Heath – Cedarwood Primary School, Heath Primary School and Gorseland Primary School – worked on plans to form a multi-academy trust, but plans fell through after the Department of Education expressed reservations over the leadership model.