During spring 2024, an exciting educational partnership proposal is reaching out to parents, students, staff, and the community for their feedback in a three-week consultation.
Schools from the East Riding and North Lincolnshire, in collaboration with Wyke Sixth Form College in west Hull, are looking to establish a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) aimed at providing a seamless education pathway from 3-18 years. The working title of this MAT is the Wyke Learning Trust.
The partnering settings include The Riverview Family of Schools comprising Baysgarth School and Castledyke Primary School in Barton upon Humber, The Market Weighton School, and Market Weighton Infant School in the East Riding of Yorkshire, and Wyke Sixth Form College in west Hull.
Through this partnership, the new MAT aims to enhance the educational experience of all learners through various means such as teaching and learning methodologies, an enriched and engaging curriculum, staff development and progression opportunities, as well as effective management of finance, human resources, legal services, school improvement structures, and governance arrangements.
Moreover, as a MAT, each participating setting will benefit from greater control over their budgets and increased autonomy regarding their curriculum.
Paul Britton, Principal of Wyke Sixth Form College and lead for the MAT application, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "The plan for the Multi-Academy Trust is to set up a structure that spans across East Yorkshire, Hull, and North Lincolnshire, providing opportunities for schools and colleges to collaborate closely to achieve great outcomes for young people."
Jade Driscoll, Headteacher of Baysgarth School and Riverview Federation lead, shares the same enthusiasm, highlighting the benefits of a seamless education pathway for students from ages 3 to 18, facilitating smooth transitions for both students and their families.
Richard Harrison, Headteacher of The Market Weighton School, emphasized the potential for cohesive curriculum planning, noting, "Many of our students begin at the infant school and progress all the way through to Wyke before advancing to university, so we will really be able to have some joined-up thinking around the curriculum."
Sarah Kay-Wood, Headteacher of Market Weighton Infant School, echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about the collaborative opportunities, stating, "It’s about being stronger together through shared services and shared expertise."
At present, the proposal is in the consultation stage, and all participating settings are eager to engage with the community to gather opinions. Principal Paul Britton emphasised the importance of community feedback, stating, "We are really enthusiastic about this project. We believe it can deliver great things for young people across the region. However, we really want to hear from parents, staff, and the wider community on what they think."
To participate in the consultation, visit the MAT consultation website at www.thewlt.co.uk to complete an online survey or email your questions to haveyoursay@thewlt.co.uk
Alternatively, paper versions of the survey are available for collection from each participating setting receptions, along with a 20-page MAT consultation booklet guide through the proposal.
Over the next three weeks, there will be a series of public and online meetings with each setting involved. Details can be found on the MAT website.
