The Grove School, based in Market Drayton, is looking to join the Marches Academy Trust on December 1.

This is an exciting time for both the Grove School and the Marches Academy Trust as it will continue to build on the strong collaboration that exists and will strengthen the family of schools that are already in the Marches Academy Trust. Joining the Trust would provide further opportunities to innovate and share best practice amongst all members of staff. For the young people it will provide an opportunity for collaboration on events, trips and sporting fixtures, which will lead to more varied cultural experiences, with trips to Switzerland, Ecuador and France in the pipeline.

Following on from a successful examination year at the Grove School, joining the Trust will allow the school to build on this success creating the school of choice in Market Drayton.

Mrs Sarah Longville, CEO of the Marches Academy Trust, said: “The Marches Academy Trust has grown a family of schools in north Shropshire, with a common aim of giving the children a first-class education.”

Mrs Longville is keen to stress that wholesale changes are not imminent, and that the continued excellence in education is the number one priority. ‘’The aim of the Trust is to give the children at the Grove School an excellent, wide array of opportunities in the years to come.”

Mrs Sonia Taylor, Headteacher at the Grove School, added: “I am absolutely delighted at the prospect of joining the Marches Academy Trust as it will afford the students and staff at the Grove School many more exciting opportunities. The students are always at the centre of everything that we do and this ethos is shared by the Marches Academy Trust meaning that we can build on their successes and share knowledge to provide excellent learning opportunities and experiences for our students”.

The next step is for parents, carers, staff, students and other members of the school community to have the opportunity to comment on the proposal.

The Trust welcome everyone’s involvement in the next steps so that the Grove School and the Marches Academy Trust develop with our communities. There will be an open meeting at the Grove School on Tuesday October 2 at 6pm to discuss the school joining the Trust, and all are welcome to attend to have any questions answered.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Longville directly on ceo@mmat.co.uk.