Two Kendal primary schools have joined Cumbria Education Trust.
Castle Park School and Stramongate Primary are the latest to become part of the family of schools, following Kendal secondary The Queen Katherine, which joined at the start of the year.
Both primaries were rated Good at their most recent Ofsted inspections and are responsible for the education of a combined 600 children.
The latest additions bring the total of primary schools in the trust to 12.
Cumbria Education Trust said each school brought to the trust its own strengths and a shared passion for excellence in teaching and learning, further enriching the growing network of schools.
Ross Knaggs, headteacher at Castle Park School, said: “Cumbria Education Trust has already made a significant difference in our school’s journey.
“Their support with strategic planning, safeguarding and Ofsted preparation has been invaluable, helping us focus on key areas for improvement.
“Through their guidance, we’ve seen tangible improvements in our standards, ensuring that we are continually raising the bar for the benefit of our children and community.
“We are confident that this partnership will continue to provide us with the tools and expertise we need to keep growing and delivering the best possible outcomes for our children.
Matt Beresford, headteacher at Stramongate Primary School, added: “The trustees of Stramongate have spent a number of years carefully exploring different trusts to join before finding a match with Cumbria Education Trust.
“Their shared values, high expectations and putting children at the centre of everything they do, aligns with ours.
“We look forward to continuing to build closer relationships, sharing good practice and gaining fresh educational insights and approaches to benefit our Kendal community.
“We will see fresh investment to drive the continued development of Stramongate School and we remain dedicated to preserving the unique character and values that make our school special.”
As part of Cumbria Education Trust both schools will benefit from enhanced support, resources and professional development opportunities and, along with QKS and Kirkby Stephen Grammar, will form a new southern hub for the trust.
