Primary becomes academy

A HENLEY school has become an academy.

Badgemore primary in Hop Gardens has joined the Circle Trust, which currently comprises two secondary schools and six primary schools.

The governors said they wanted to be able to work with other schools and benefit from the “best resources and expertise” for the benefit its pupils.

They carried out a six-week consultation with the community and stakeholders.

The school will be independent of Oxfordshire County Council, the education authority, enabling it to have more say over how it is run while remaining state-funded.

Headteacher Tim Hoskins said: “We have been searching for the right trust to join for several years now and we firmly believe that we have found this in the Circle Trust.

“From our first meeting, we knew that our values aligned and that their pupils are at the heart of everything they do.

“For us it is about a deep level of collaboration, supporting all the schools to provide the best education for all the pupils.

“We have an exciting future ahead for our pupils, staff and wider community.”

Nicola Scannell, who chairs the governors, said “This move will provide huge opportunities for the whole school community and is aimed at ensuring children receive the highest quality education.”

Ginny Rhodes, chief executive of the trust, said: “Badgemore is a happy, growing school that is passionate about serving the local community, as we are as a trust.”