Weymouth Church Schools Get Academy Green Light

Four Church of England schools in the Weymouth Bay area have taken a step towards becoming academies after receiving the nod of approval from a top government education official.

After consulting with parents and staff, governors of All Saints Secondary School, Beechcroft St. Paul’s, St Andrew’s and St John’s Primary Schools applied to join the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT).

The Regional Schools Commissioner for the South West, Rebecca Clark, has now approved this application. The three primary schools will convert to academies and join DSAT on 1 July, with the date for All Saints yet to be agreed.

Tony Smith, Chair of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust (DSAT) Board, said, “We are delighted that these four schools are converting to academy status and will join our expanding trust. They will be able to benefit from our services and from what our other schools have to offer as well as contributing to the development of the Trust themselves. We look forward to working with everyone involved and we feel sure we will contribute to the development of the learning of all the pupils at the schools.”

Julia Moore, Chair of Governors at Beechcroft St Paul’s, stated, “The governors of Beechcroft St Paul's are delighted to be joining the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust and look forward to working closely with the other schools in the Weymouth Bay Hub to enhance the learning opportunities of all our children and young people through the shared vision and ethos of our schools.”

Amanda Aze, Head Teacher at St John’s, added, “We are excited about becoming part of DSAT and the opportunities this will create for St John's and the other schools in the Weymouth Bay Hub.  We are also looking forward to creating new and engaging ways to ensure all of our pupils enjoy learning and make the best progress through effective collaboration and sharing best practice.”

Marcia Headon, Chair of Governors at St Andrew’s, concluded, “We are excited about becoming part of DSAT and the opportunities this will create for St Andrew’s and the other schools in the Weymouth Bay Hub.”