GOVERNORS and senior leaders at Teesdale School, in Barnard Castle, have announced proposals for the school to join a region-wide multi-academy education trust.

The move into the North East Learning Trust has been agreed in principal and aims to enhance the experience and opportunities of current and future students.

By joining a larger family of schools and accessing a wider network of experienced education professionals, the school is confident it will have more opportunities to widen the curriculum and enhance students’ experiences in the classroom.

The Trust also includes an ‘outstanding’ Teaching School which the school hopes will provide access to a wide pool of exceptional new teachers, especially in subjects where there is currently a national shortage.

Clare Ellis, Co-Principal at Teesdale School said: "Teesdale School began exploring the possibility of joining a multi-academy trust last autumn, and are delighted to have found a Trust which shares our ethos and values, as well as providing access to outstanding leadership and management to help us on our current journey of improvement.”

Teesdale School Chair of Governors Stuart Metcalf added: “The Governors of Teesdale School are looking forward to the exciting prospect of working closely with some of the best schools and educational professionals in the North East of England and all the benefits to the Teesdale area that it will bring.”

The Trust’s chief executive officer, Lesley Powell, said: “We are delighted that Teesdale School is proposing joining our trust and look forward to working closely with staff there in the coming months.

“Celebrating the culture and character of our individual schools is key to our multi-academy trust model, and whilst there are improvements to be made, we are clear that Teesdale will retain its own identity and we will work in partnership to further strengthen the place it has in the heart of its community.”