Primary plans switch to academy for next year

A primary school in Clevedon is set to be converted into an academy.

The board of governors at St John’s Primary School in Fosseway has made the decision to join the Diocese of Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT) and hopes to complete the conversion on July 1.

If accepted into the trust the school will become a converter academy – a successful school which has chosen to become an academy to benefit from increased autonomy.

In a letter sent to parents, staff and stakeholders the, school’s governing board said: “Converting to academy status will provide increased autonomy, the ability to learn and share best practice with other successful schools and recognises the shift in power from local authorities to schools.

“We do not expect any significant changes in the day to day running of the school.

“We will continue to work closely with Clevedon School to ensure our children have the best possible transition to the next stage of their education.”

However, the school has confirmed that there will be slight changes to the school’s logo and uniform while it will change its name to St John the Evangelist Church School.

There are currently 13 schools in the BWMAT, with a further three under consultation.

Kingshill Church School in Nailsea is also part of the trust.