SCHOOL NEWS: Holyrood merging management with Axe Valley

SCHOOL NEWS: Holyrood merging management with Axe Valley

HOLYROOD Academy in Chard has entered into a new management partnership with Axe Valley Community   College in Axminster.

It means that Holyrood principal Martin Brook will become executive headteacher for both schools and work closely to achieve a shared vision of educational excellence while retaining each school’s distinctive character.

But it also means that overseeing Holyrood will be Matt Collins as head of school.

Mr Brook said: “I am pleased to confirm the appointment of Matt Collins as Head of School at Holyrood.

“I have every confidence that he will ensure there are no significant changes to the way Holyrood operates on a day-to-day basis and that he is committed to ensuring the continued development of the Academy.”

Mr Collins said: “I am really excited and proud to have the opportunity to take up the challenge of continuing to raise standards and provide a high quality educational experience for all students at Holyrood Academy. The partnership with Axe Valley affords huge potential for us to work together to provide new opportunities for all.”

The changes will come into effect from Easter 2016. During a time of rapid change in education, more and more schools are choosing to combine their strengths and experience to deliver excellence to young people. The economies of scale and the advantages of joint working mean that this partnership can ensure the continuing and future success of both schools.SCHOOL NEWS: Holyrood merging management with Axe Valley

Under the leadership of Mr Brook as executive headteacher, both Holyrood and Axe Valley schools will work closely. One of the strengths of the partnership is the many similarities shared between the two schools, such as academic profile of the pupils, the rural context and smaller-than-average sixth form centres.

A statement issued today (Tuesday, February 9, 2016) said there are significant benefits to this new partnership for all stakeholders.

“Students will see a wider range of learning opportunities, courses and resources available to them,” it reads.

“Staff will benefit from a greater number of training events and be able learn from best practice in both schools.

“And for parents and the wider community, the new partnership will provide stability for both schools, as together they will have greater capacity to provide outstanding education for Chard and Axminster.”

Mr Brook added: “This is an amazing opportunity for both schools to work collaboratively for the greater good of both sets of students.

“I have great confidence in the staff to make this work and believe that this partnership will establish the Holyrood Trust as a leading education provider in the region.

“I would also like to thank the Governing Bodies of both schools for having the vision and belief that such a forward-looking partnership could happen in this way. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

By 2020, the government expects all schools to be part of an academy partnership, such as a Multi Academy Trust. This management partnership will run up to December 31, 2016, during which both schools will work towards creating a long-term partnership around a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) model.