TODAY is the first day back at school – and for three forward-thinking primary schools it is officially the start of their new partnership.
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Click here to see a nostalgia gallery from the three schools in the trust
Click here to read about the 'extinct' school bag classics, those former school essentials which have been replaced with smartphones and computers
There are new names, new uniforms and autonomy for three Barrow schools that have become academies as part of the multi-academy trust they have formed.
The Inspired Learning Multi Academy Trust includes Parkside GGI (formerly Greengate Infant and Nursery School), Victoria Academy (formerly Victoria Junior School) and Yarlside Academy (Yarlside Nursery and Primary School).
The change of status was made by choice. They are no longer under the control of Cumbria County Council and receive their funding directly from the government, and they can teach a curriculum which they feel meets the needs of their pupils.
The Inspired Learning MAT, alongside another slightly different model in Eden, are Cumbria’s first primary MATs. The Barrow primaries are run as individual schools in their own buildings, with their own teams of staff, own headteachers and governors.
The schools share a business manager in Angie Whittle and there is an overarching board of directors which includes the heads, the chairs of governors and three other governors.
Caroline Vernon, the head of Victoria Academy, said: “It’s really exciting. We are three strong schools and we do quite a bit of work together already. This formalises the partnership.
“It’s going to provide new opportunities for our children and staff. It will help us to draw on each other’s strengths.”
Oliver Woodward, nine, of Victoria Academy, said: “I think it’s really good that our school is part of a multi academy trust because we get to see other people. It will be really good for our schools.
“I really like the new uniform because it is nice and bright.”
Hallie George-Rea, eight, of Victoria Academy, said: “I think it’s really good that our school is working with the other two schools. One of my friends goes to one of the other schools. I like the colour of the new uniform and I like the new badge. I like the tartan skirts.”
Caroline Long-Hoggarth, the head of Parkside GGI Academy, said: “It’s really exciting that three schools that have a similar outlook on education, and who have worked together, have come together to inspire the children to look to the future and be the best they can be.
“The opportunities that it brings is something that has not happened before. For the staff, it gives a huge opportunity to develop our careers.”
Alexie Humphryes and Jack Long, both four, and joining Reception class, said they like their new uniform which includes green tops with purple, grey and black tartan ties, skirts and shorts. Jack says he loves climbing and art at school, while Alexie loves reading.
Janine Pierce, the head of Yarlside Academy, said: “We have already gained so many strengths from working together. Three heads are much better than one. It’s already making a big difference. It’s already having a positive financial impact. We have a business manager across the three schools and our board of directors have excellent skills which has really supported the rigorous process of conversion.”
Charlotte Scribbans, who is 11 tomorrow and a pupil at Yarlside Academy, said: “It’s nice for our school to work with two other schools. It will be something new and fun. It is quite special for us.
“Learning is really fun at Yarlside.”
Rio Hartley, nine, also a Yarlside Academy pupil, said: “It’s good to have three schools working together.
“I feel happy at Yarlside, the work is challenging and fun.”
<u>Victoria Academy (formerly Victoria Junior School)</u>
Caroline Vernon Devonshire Road, Barrow School built in 1976.
The original building was in Oxford Street from 1884.
Age range: Seven to 11 years
Pupil roll - 215
Staff number - Around 35
Headteacher - Caroline Vernon
Chairman of governors - Glyn Davies
Victoria Academy has International Schools Award Gold. Headteacher Caroline Vernon is the co chairperson of Furness Education and Skills Partnership, a primary representative for the Local Alliance of System Leaders, an Inspiring Barrow steering group member, a governor at Furness College and a member of the national education steering group for the Prince’s Trust Step Up to Service.
The head's school days
What schools did you attend?
Haverigg Primary School, Millom School and then high school in Minneapolis.
What was your favourite subject?
Art and English.
What was your favourite school memory?
The school production of Saturday Night Fever and graduating from high school in America.
<u>Parkside GGI Academy (was Greengate Infant, Nursery and Pre-School)</u>
Caroline Long-Hoggarth Greengate Street, Barrow
School built - 1950
Pupil age range - two - seven years
Pupil roll - 220
Staff number - Around 38
Headteacher - Caroline Long-Hoggarth
Chairwoman of Governors - Laura Kendall
Ofsted rating – Good
Parkside GGI Academy has the Woodland Ambassador Award. Headteacher Caroline Long-Hoggarth is a Local Leader of Education, lead commissioner of Furness Poverty Commission and report writer of Shining A Light On Hidden Deprivation in Furness and local lead NHS safeguarding board, and a member of Furness Education Skills Partnership.
The head's school days
Which schools did you attend?
Roose School and Chetwynde School.
What was your favourite subject?
English.
What was your favourite school memory?
A trip to Stratford-upon-Avon to watch Hamlet.
<u>Yarlside Academy (was Yarlside Nursery and Primary School)</u>
Janine Pierce Red Oak Avenue, Barrow
School built - Around 1972
Pupil age range - Three to 11 years
Pupil roll - 25
Staff number - Around 40
Headteacher - Janine Pierce
Chairman of Governors - Dave Cubiss
Ofsted rating – Outstanding
Yarlside is a designated National Support School and it has also just been named as the Furness area's first National Teaching School. Headteacher, Janine Pierce, is a National Leader of Education, vice chairwoman of the Local Alliance of System Leaders and a strategic governor of Queen Katherine Teaching School Alliance.
The head's school days
Which schools did you attend?
St Columba's Catholic Primary, St Bernard's Catholic High and Barrow Sixth Form College
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