Birkrig, Skelmersdale, Lancashire WN8 9BN. Telephone: 01695 724730.
www.bishopmartin.lancs.sch.uk Headteacher:
Mr IJ McDonald
Dear Parent/Guardians/Carers The Governing Body of Bishop Martin CE Primary School voted unanimously in the summer term to support a proposal for the school to convert to academy status as a member of the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust (LDST). LDST is a Multi-academy Trust that currently includes 17 other Church of England Schools from across the Diocese of Liverpool. For further information on the LDST please visit their website at www.ldst.org.uk. This proposal has been made after a considerable degree of research and discussion and with the firm belief that this is in the best interest of our children and community. The Governing Body have been considering the timing of this for the past four years. Current government policy is focussed on joining schools together in Multi-academy Trusts to create supportive links and partnerships between schools by 2030 at the latest. The LDST is made up of a family of schools working together to embrace and promote our Christian distinctiveness whilst reflecting the changing world of education. Why convert to Academy status and be a part of the LDST?
Broader curriculum and wider social opportunities for pupils Improved professional development opportunities for staff Shared expertise and strengths leading to better pupil outcomes Enhanced mutual support between schools Address impact of tightening budgets
Why work together?
Teaching and Learning - Shared learning and curriculum development utilising specialisms and resources available. Opportunities for children, teachers and leadership teams to work collaboratively Resourcing - Collective purchasing and shared contractual arrangements, and sharing of human and physical resources Christian Character - To share the Christian values that make us distinctive as a Church of England School
What do we want to retain?
High quality education (ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for the most important people at the school: your children) Our schools’ individual identity within the community of Skelmersdale and Digmoor Our Christian character (as a currently ‘Outstanding’ school through SIAMS) Excellent teachers (both in recruitment and retention)