Academy status for St Mary's Church of England First School

St Mary's Church of England First School in Charminster, Dorchester, has confirmed the application to convert to academy status has been approved. 

It has also announced that it will be joining the Initio Learning Trust - a multi academy trust which is currently responsible for 17 schools, from first schools to secondary schools, across Dorset.

It already has eight first schools in the county and St Mary’s will become its ninth.

The trust aims to advance education for the public’s benefit and support school leaders to improve schools’ curriculums, teaching methods and the quality of learning for their children. 

St Mary’s C of E First School will be the ninth first school in the county to join the Initio Learning Trust. (Image: St Mary's Church of England First School)

Mick Homer, headteacher at St Mary's CofE First School, said: “We are thrilled to be joining Initio as this will bring opportunities for wider collaboration outside of the Dorchester area.

“It will provide us with the support and guidance we desire to ensure that our school is the best that it can be."

“The entire St Mary's family are very much looking forward to formalising this partnership and working alongside Initio for many years to come.”

Liz West, Chief Executive Officer of Initio Learning Trust, said: “We are delighted to  welcome St Mary’s on board and it will be an absolute pleasure to work permanently with Mick and his team.

“The school joins the trust at a time of growth and we look forward to offering all the pupils at St Mary’s educational excellence and outstanding opportunities.”