Shrewsbury school gets academy status
A Shrewsbury head teacher is "energised" after her school officially received academy status, and hopes children will reap the benefits of a better financial deal.
Oakmeadow CE Primary School and Nursery in Bayston Hill received confirmation from the Government's Education Secretary Gavin Williamson.
He said: "Academies form an integral part of the Government’s education policy to raise attainment for all children and to bring about sustained improvements to all schools. I am delighted that the school recognises the benefits academy status will bring."
The school will now officially be part of the Marches Academy Partnership, which includes The Marches School and Sixth Form in Oswestry, Sir John Talbot’s School and Sixth Form in Whitchurch, Lower Heath CE Primary School and Nursery, Tilstock CE Primary School and Nursery, Grove School and Sixth Form in Market Drayton, Shrewsbury Academy in Shrewsbury, Longlands Community Primary School in Market Drayton, and The Grange Primary School in Shrewsbury.
Oakmeadow head teacher Carla Whelan believes the school will benefit financially and the children will get more chances to mix with children from other schools and learn.
She said: "It's very energising to be able to finalise it and officially be part of the Trust. We've been working closely with the Marches Academy Partnership since last July.
"It will help us in terms of being able to save money and get better deals on resources. We'll get better value for money because the Trust can buy in bulk. So there are quite a few financial gains.
"For the children, they've been able to go to the secondary schools for art days and work with children from other schools so we're looking forward to doing more work with them.
"It's and opportunity to continue to grow."
