Parent/Carer of Primary School Students in Year 0-5
Dear Parent
Foundation School Status and Acquiring a Trust at The Hermitage School.
Following the recent publication of a notice to change status and become a “Trust School” the governors have since met to consider the responses from parents and the wider school community. In light of the consultation process, which was very supportive, the Governing Body has decided to go ahead with the proposals and become a Foundation School with a Trust effective from 1 st September 2007 after the following clarifications are made in respect of technical matters:
1. The Chester-le-Street Learning Community Trust will be an incorporated entity;
2. That the new Trust is a newly established Trust and currently does not act for any other foundation or voluntary school;
3. That by acquiring Trust Status the school will add to the diversity of provision within the County as there are currently no Trust Schools in County Durham;
4. The Memorandum and Articles of the Trust will make clear which members are entitled to appoint Trustees, which will in turn appoint three nominees to the schools governing body.
Such a decision was made after much consideration; the governing body is of the firm belief that Trust School status has the potential to strengthen curriculum opportunities for the benefit of all students across the age and ability range, enhance professional development for all employees and add to the expertise within the governing body.
A new governing body consisting of eighteen members will be established in the Autumn Term with three representatives from the Trustees. This governing body will have the right to set the admissions criteria for the school and will be bound by the Government’s
Code of Practice, which ensures fair admissions arrangements. The school has stated quite clearly that Trust School status is not a vehicle for introducing selection, whether by aptitude or ability and it intends to base its admissions policy on the current Local Authority criteria.
Existing relationships with other schools will not be affected by the change in status. The usual supportive and close working relationships will continue.
Yours sincerely,
Ian Robertson
Head Teacher | 