A primary school has joined other Catholic schools in an academy trust to help youngsters achieve their very best.

St Ethelbert’s Roman Catholic Primary School, in Deane, joined the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust , which includes schools in Bolton and Bury.

Headteacher Mandy Messham  says was keen to join to join the trust at the beginning of its ‘growth journey’.

Trust CEO, Chris Foley, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mrs Messham, the children and the staff of St Ethelbert’s RC Primary School into our trust.

“Our growth enables us to improve collaboration, but also innovation.

“We are very much looking forward to supporting our new colleagues and improving life chances further for our new children.

“Today marks a turning point in the journey of our trust as we continue to deliver on Bishop John Arnold’s vision for Catholic education within the Diocese of Salford.”

Trust leaders say they are looking forward to welcoming those from the school, which serves a diverse community, where pupils will be supported, cared for, and nourished.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “It has a highly talented and committed group of staff who recognise they are serving the children and the church.

“The school will continue to be anchored in its community.

“Being part of the St Teresa of Calcutta Trust will support the school so it can improve further and provide the best it can for its children.”

St Ethelbert’s RC Primary School will become part of a larger organisation, continuing their mission to “make Christ known” and ‘make lives better’.

Some of the benefits will offer a chance for schools within the trust to collaborate, creating a professional learning and development network.

This will include bespoke school improvement support, tailored to each school’s context, including inspection guidance from trained inspectors.

There will also be leadership support and development opportunities; immediate support in times of a crisis; as well as support through a dedicated finance business partner; HR Support through dedicated HR Advisors; specialist estate guidance and support when required; and managed IT support services - ensuring infrastructure is able to support school operations.

The school will stay in the same location, serving the same local community.

Bishop John Arnold hopes to implement a full multi-academy trust model across all of the Catholic schools in his Diocese by 2030.

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