Pinchbeck East and Spalding Primary Schools to join Infinity Academies Trust
Two South Holland primary schools are set for a new era when they join a multi-academy trust in the new year.
Pinchbeck East and Surfleet Primary Schools are to become part of the Infinity Academies Trust, a network of five schools that includes Wyberton Primary Academy.
After forming the Welland Primary Schools Federation with Surfleet Primary School in September 2018, Pinchbeck East and Spalding are both converting to academy status, meaning they will be funded directly by the Government, rather than Lincolnshire County Council.
Andrew Raistrick, the federation's executive head teacher, said: "Pinchbeck East and Spalding have been working closely with schools within the Infinity Academies Trust for some time and, developing from that, will be joining the Trust in the new year.
"The staff and governors are very much looking forward to working together with the family of schools within the Trust to enhance even further the education provision for all our pupils at Pinchbeck East and Spalding."
Gavin Booth, Infinity's chief executive officer, said: "Pinchbeck East and Spalding applied to the Department for Education (DfE) and the Diocese of Lincoln for approval to join Infinity Academies Trust.
"This agreement was given in September and the schools are working with the Trust to formally convert to academies, with a target date of February 1.
"The schools consulted with their parents and staff about the decision and were delighted with the support they received in moving forwards to become part of Infinity.
"Pupils from the Trust's schools, Spalding and Pinchbeck East have been busily exchanging letters to get to know each other and to share some information about their classes and schools.
"The Trust is very excited to be working with these schools and to support them in their continued efforts to provide excellent educational opportunities for the children of Spalding and Pinchbeck East."
Surfleet Primary School leaders disagree with 'inadequate' Ofsted grade
Mr Raistrick also confirmed that the "destiny" of Surfleet Primary School, controversially put into special measures after it was judged "inadequate" by Ofsted in June, would be decided by the DfE.
He added that staff at Surfleet have been working with Keystone Academy Trust, a group of schools that includes primaries in Long Sutton, Bourne and Thurlby, "during the past few months".