Shrewsbury school celebrates achieving academy status
A Shrewsbury primary school is celebrating achieving academy status earlier than expected in a move which is expected to help it flourish for years ahead.
Grange Primary School in Bainbridge Green is all set to become an academy on August 1 thanks to the backing of the Shrewsbury Academies Trust.
The trust, which also has Grange Secondary School and Sundorne School and Sports College under its wing, is providing sponsorship for the primary school’s change of status.
Chief executive of the trust, Geoff Pettengell, said he was delighted that Grange Primary School could move forward as an academy from the beginning of August.
“The school’s latest monitoring visit by Ofsted was extremely encouraging and we are looking forward to building on this to push ahead with further improvements,” said Mr Pettengell.
Head teacher at Grange Primary School, Marie Sibley, said she was pleased to have the backing of the Shrewsbury Academies Trust.
“Being sponsored by a body which is local and also understands the community is a real advantage and I am sure will be of great benefit to both staff and pupils at the school,” she said.
The primary is a feeder school for the neighbouring Grange Secondary School which recently received a glowing Ofsted report for its progress following a period in special measures.
Mr Pettengell said: “Both The Grange Secondary School and Sundorne School and Sports College are now thriving academies and I have every expectation that the Grange Primary School will be following in their footsteps.
“Under the Shrewsbury Academies Trust, each school acts totally independently from the others, but can rely on the backing and support of the trust to look after its interests.”
The academy scheme, which operates nationwide, was extended to include primary schools as well as secondary schools in 2012. It provides schools with the opportunity to be self-governing.
