Washacre Primary School becomes Washacre Academy

Washacre Primary School has joined the Quill CE Trust, which also governs St Bede CE Primary Academy in Morris Green and Tonge Moor Primary Academy. 

The trust states that "this significant milestone marks a new chapter in the school’s journey towards educational excellence and community enrichment".

School and trust officials say the partnership will allow the "sharing of resources" and future projects for the school include the introduction of a digital strategy initiative where every child will have access at school and home to their own individual iPad, and a Forest School nursery.

Chris Howarth, headteacher at Washacre, said: “We are delighted to become a part of The Quill CE Trust.

Headteacher, Chris Howarth, and Quill CE Trust CEO, Sarah Bagshaw, with pupils (Image: Washacre Academy) "We are joining a Trust that shares our vision and values, and I am confident that this is a partnership that will enable us to build on the school's recent successes. 

"The opportunity for collaboration, the sharing of resources and the innovation across the Trust will further enhance the exciting educational offer we are able to provide for our pupils, thus improving their outcomes both academically and holistically. 

Read more: 'Superb' £2.5m sports pitch, facilities and lecture hall takes school to next level

Read more: Popular school's big change brings huge benefits to young people says head

Read more: These Bolton schools have opened their own food banks

"We look forward to the positive impact this will have on our entire school community.” 

An academy is a school which receives funding from the Government but is run by an academy trust. 

An academy conversion letter dated October 5 can be seen on the Ofsted website, outlining the change of name of the school. 

Washacre Primary School, now Washacre Academy (Image: Google Maps) It states: "On conversion to academy status, the existing school closes and a new school opens in its place. Although little may have changed, the academy converter is a new legal entity." 

Sarah Bagshaw, CEO of The Quill CE Trust said: “We can see great benefits to having a strong school join our Trust.

"We are proud to be a small, family orientated Trust that celebrates the strengths and differences within each school. The staff at Washacre will further strengthen our already fantastic and talented team.

"We look forward to working with them on future projects, such as the introduction of a digital strategy initiative where every child will have access at school and home to their own individual iPad, and a Forest School nursery which will enhance the learning experiences of the children and create further career progression opportunities for the staff.”

Trust bosses say that with the new partnership, Washacre Primary School will benefit from its links with St Bede Childcare that can offer ‘wrap around care’ and its innovative approach to providing the absolute best education for young, enquiring minds.