Kirkby College
An Academy with Sport Specialism
Learn today, lead tomorrow
Principal: Mr S A Taylor BA (Hons) PGCE NPQH
18 September 2017
Dear Parents and Carers
Multi-Academy Trust
You will be aware that we converted to become a stand-alone academy in August 2012. Since then we have used the new freedoms and flexibilities to drive forward improvements in all areas of the school and received a ‘Good’ judgment following the Ofsted inspection in May 2015 and again in January 2017.
The government is now encouraging all schools to work together in groups known as Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) as it believes this to be the model best suited to improving school standards. The trustees and governors have been aware for some time that in order to secure the long term future for the school, this partnership option offers many strong advantages. Many schools across Nottinghamshire are already working very successfully in this way.
I have been involved in exploratory talks with The LEAP Trust which is based in Rotherham and already comprises Brinsworth and Dinnington Schools, both Ofsted rated Good schools who are in negotiations with other interested schools up and down the M1 corridor.
The benefits of working in partnership within such a diverse multi-academy trust are numerous. We believe that students will benefit directly through enhanced curriculum and enrichment opportunities.
In a period where school finances are becoming increasingly tight we will also benefit through financial efficiencies that can be achieved through being part of a larger purchasing organisation. Staff will benefit through having access to enhanced professional development and career progression opportunities. The experience of other multi academy trusts is also that staff retention is improved through the additional opportunities that working in partnership present.
We are now consulting with all stakeholders before we make a final decision in the new academic year. I am therefore writing to you to ask for your views. This period of consultation opens from the date of this letter and will run until Friday, 27 October 2017.
Our clear and simple mission as a multi-academy trust will be to work in partnership at a local level in order to raise the educational standards and improve the life chances of all students within the partnership.
We are satisfied that the directors, governors and staff of LEAP share our ethos, values and aspirations and we are confident that we will be able to work successfully together with them to achieve the very best for the students and communities which we each serve.
Before we make a final representation to the Regional Schools Commissioner regarding this proposal, we would welcome your views and comments. You can send these through to us by emailing or you can write to me at the school.
A basic question and answer document is also available on the school website which gives more information about multi-academy trusts.
This is an exciting time for Kirkby College I look forward, with your support, to working together in moving to the next phase in the school’s growth and development.
Yours sincerely
Mr S A Taylor
Principal and CEO of Kirkby College Trust
Kirkby College Registered in England and Wales No. 8124416
Registered Office:Tennyson Street Kirkby in Ashfield Nottingham NG17 7DH
Tel: 01623 455925 Fax: 01623 455923 email:
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