A fourth school has announced it plans to join the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust later this year.
Governors at Victoria Infant and Nursery School voted to academise and join the trust, led by Furness College, in September.
The 220-pupil school on Oxford Street, rated good by Ofsted, is now scheduled to join the trust alongside Newbarns Primary and Nursery School, South Walney Junior School and Cambridge Primary School. They will join current members Chetywnde, Ormsgill and Vickerstown schools.
Victoria Infant and Nursery School headteacher Lindsay Grayless said the decision had been taken following a series of in-depth meetings with staff from the local multi-academy trusts in the best interests of the pupils, who are aged three to seven.
“We carefully considered the direction of our wonderful school and believe this will be greatly enhanced by working in partnership with the SCMAT and the support it will bring across all aspects of life at Victoria Infant and Nursery School.
“The trust was formed with a vision that fits well with our own aims and ethos to inspire all children to be the best they can be and puts us at the forefront of decision making for our school.
“The staff at the trust really understand our school, its ethos, individuality and connection with the community, and have a real willingness in supporting us to achieve our aims.
“With three more schools joining this year, we can go through this process of academisation together.”
Cumbria County Council has been informed and there will now be meetings with the Department for Education and informal discussions with stakeholders prior to starting the formal consultation and application process.
Trust chief executive, Professor Andrew Wren, said: “Victoria Infant and Nursery School is a fantastic school with a headteacher who is fully committed to bringing about positive improvements for the good of her pupils and staff.
“I was set a maximum intake of four schools in 2023 by my board and could only dream of reaching this target but local governors, heads and staff are recognising the progress we are making with our current member schools and have approached me because they want to be a part of our trust.
“We are now inviting expressions of interest from schools who are looking to academise in future and are happy to visit to talk about our work.”
