Thetford primary schools move to new multi-academy trust

The Academy Transformation Trust (ATT) is to transfer sponsorship of its three primary academies in Thetford to a new West Norfolk-based multi-academy trust organisation.

Admirals Academy, Diamond Academy and Norwich Road Academy will transfer to the new Eastern Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT) following a decision made in April at a Headteacher Board meeting.

Ian Cleland, chief executive officer of ATT, said: “ATT has agreed with the Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) to find a new sponsor for its three Thetford primary academies to increase resources available to support pupils, and to accelerate improvement.

“We are pleased to say that this process has now been completed and that there is agreement between the RSC and the academy trust boards that EMAT will become the new sponsor.

“EMAT has a strong presence in academies in West Norfolk and will bring the benefits of its primary network to Admirals, Diamond and Norwich Road academies.

“Both trusts are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition and look forward to exploring how we can work together in future to benefit Norfolk children.”

Dr Duncan Ramsey, EMAT chief executive, said: “This is an exciting time for the trust as we embark on a new phase of development in which we build on the growing success of our primary academies, as exemplified by the recent Ofsted outstanding rating for Eastgate Academy in King’s Lynn, one of only seven academies in the whole country to move from an inadequate rating to outstanding in one jump.

“We look forward to welcoming these new academies to EMAT and are committed to providing them with the support, expertise and key services to enable them to deliver substantially improved opportunities to each and every pupil to achieve his or her full potential.”