What is a multi-academy trust?
The Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT) is a trust which is ultimately accountable to the Secretary of State for Education for the education provision in a number of schools.
Academy Trusts take full responsibility for the employment of staff, all school premises, the quality of educational provision and the financial affairs of each school. As a company limited by guarantee, the Trust must also ensure compliance with both company and charity law.
In order to support the Trust in fulfilling its obligation, the Academy Trust Directors appoint local governing bodies to each academy to ensure the effective day-to-day running of schools within the Trust. The local governing body is responsible to the Directors under a scheme of delegation for the operation of each school. The Academy Trust, however, remains ultimately accountable to the Secretary of State for Education for the quality of provision within each school.
What is the vision for the new academy and will children be taught the national curriculum?
The vision for the academy is to provide children of all faiths and none with excellent educational provision within a caring and supportive Christian ethos. Christian values will underpin the work of the academy and be the starting point from which the school develops. The aim of the academy is to ensure pupils become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
The academy will follow the National Curriculum, but will also incorporate an enquiry-based approach to learning through the delivery of ‘Philosophy for Children’. The content of the curriculum and teaching methods will replicate the best practice from other Trust academies, including Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy and Fieldcourt CofE Infant Academy.
Where will children be educated whilst the new school is built?
In the first instance children will be educated on a temporary site, until the school is built. The temporary site is within the grounds of Hardwicke Parochial Primary Academy.
Planning updates can be found on the ‘Our New School’ tab.
What size is the new academy and will term date align with other schools in the area?
Clearwater CofE Primary Academy, when at full capacity, will be a two FE primary academy with a maximum class size of 30. In the first year of opening, the academy will accommodate up to 30 children into Reception.
The pattern of the school terms and dates will align as far as possible with local primary and secondary schools. Similarly, the timing of the academy day will be responsive to the needs of parents.