Written by A new primary free school planned for Lichfield will become part of the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust (JTMAT), the Department for Education has announced.
The school will be built at Fradley Park, and will eventually accommodate 210 pupils plus a nursery at a cost of around £4 million.It is being built in response to increased demand for school places in the area.
JTMAT were announced as the successful sponsor after a competitive application process, appraised by a panel that included representatives from Staffordshire County Council, the Department for Education, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
The John Taylor Multi Academy Trust already runs a number of successful primary and secondary schools in Staffordshire.
CEO of the Trust, Mike Donoghue expressed his delight upon receiving the confirmation of the Trust’s success:
“We are naturally excited and extremely proud to have been given the responsibility to lead the new school at Fradley Park. With a growing Trust that currently comprises many local good and outstanding primary schools, and a track record of successfully delivering a Free School collaboratively with Staffordshire County Council, we felt that we were well-placed to offer an exciting, high quality, and innovative offer to the children and families in the area. I’m delighted that, after a rigorous application and interview process, the selection panel agreed.”
“Now the work begins in earnest to fulfil our vision to create the best school we possibly can. The application was very much a team effort, and so will be our work to deliver the school to the community. We look forward to working alongside our partner organisations to make all this happen. We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Chair of John Taylor MAT, Gareth Moss added:
This is a landmark achievement for the Trust, and a validation of our current position as a leading provider in the area. I would like to thank the project team for their work to date, and Staffordshire County Council – officers and councillors – for their continued support. We have every intention of exceeding their expectations!
County Councillor Philip White, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills at Staffordshire County Council said:
“John Taylor Multi Academy Trust has a proven track record in delivering results and an understanding of the challenges that can be faced in developing a brand new school.”
“We are really pleased that a sponsor has been appointed that understands both the primary and secondary school ethos, who can work with the local community and above all are excited and passionate about an excellent education for every child.”
The new primary school is due to open to nursery and reception pupils in September 2020.
The Trust welcomes enquires about the Fradley Park Primary Free School. Please e-mail admissions@jtmat.co.uk to express interest in admissions or employment opportunities.
For further information contact m.donoghue@jths.co.uk
Mike Donoghue, CEO John Taylor MAT