SCHOOLS in Cirencester and the surrounding areas are joining forces to form a multi-academy trust.

Cirencester Deer Park School, Kemble Primary School, Siddington Church of England Primary School and Chesterton Primary School are coming together to form the Corinium Education Trust.

Launching on April 1, the trust will demonstrate the increasing desire of local schools to collaborate and work together rather than stand alone and complete.

The trust will enable teachers to work across schools and for pupils to be part of a family of schools which can share resources and perform better together.

They secured the approval of the Department for Education, the Regional Schools Commissioner for South West England and the Diocese of Gloucester based upon the positive opportunities which the trust will provide for pupils.

The Corinium Education Trust is open for other local schools, both primary and secondary, which wish to join as part of building a collaborative approach to education and a successful group of schools learning from and supporting each other.

Chiquita Henson has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer and she will fulfil this role alongside her responsibilities as Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School.

Graham Russell, chair of trustees at The Corinium Education Trust said: “The Corinium Education Trust is passionate about and committed to providing pupils in the South Cotswolds with the best possible opportunities to learn and create their futures.

“Schools joining the Trust are united in their view that when schools work together then they can achieve so much more.”

Chiquita Henson has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer and she will fulfil this role alongside her responsibilities as Headteacher of Cirencester Deer Park School.

She added: ‘I am very excited about the development of our multi-academy trust and the creation a new learning community that reaches across different phases.

“It reflects genuine partnership working and gives each institution the opportunity to be a part of something greater than our individual schools.

“We can learn so much from each other.

“By strengthening these links and our professional practice, we will be able to enhance the provision for learners in the South Cotswolds, provide support for families and invest in the development of our staff.”

Schools interested in finding out more about the benefits of joining The Corinium Education Trust and its commitment to school improvement can visit www.coriniumeducationtrust.net or contact Chiquita Henson at c.henson@coriniumeducationtrust.net