STAR and South York Multi Academy Trust merger plan

A consultation is underway on the proposed merger of The Sherburn, Tadcaster and Rural Multi Academy Trust (STAR) and South York Multi Academy Trust (SYMAT) to create a single multi-academy trust of 17 schools spanning York and North Yorkshire.

SYMAT has five schools in addition to Fulford, all primaries: Dunnington CE; Archbishop of York CE Juniors; Wheldrake and Thorganby CE; Escrick and Bishopthorpe Infants.

STAR is made up of eleven schools in Sherburn, Tadcaster and Selby including Tadcaster Grammar and Sherburn High School.

Ian Dolben, the chairman of SYMAT, said: “We are always driving for improvement. We are never complacent; we know that there is always more that can be done to increase the opportunities available to our children and young people and staff.

"This is why we are now exploring the possibility of merging into a combined Trust with an organisation that shares our values and aspirations.”

Ian Yapp, CEO of STAR and Steve Lewis, CEO of SYMAT said: “Together, we believe we can build on this to the benefit of all our schools and the wider communities we serve.

“Our geographical proximity within a Trust structure supports collaboration and close partnership working. Along with enhanced training, staff development opportunities and extensive school improvement work we will be able to share best practice to sustain and extend excellent educational provision to all children and young people in our communities.

“We are excited about the opportunities a merger can bring to both Trusts and their local and wider communities. As part of the process of merger we have now entered a period of engagement where we would love to hear the thoughts and questions of interested parties.”

Steve Lewis, CEO of SYMAT (Image: Supplied) Nick Sheppard, chairman of STAR said: “We firmly believe that this potential merger gives us a real opportunity to further our ambitions – to deliver high-quality, value-added services and professional development, allowing our schools to concentrate on their core purpose of educating and supporting children and young people, so that in turn they can truly flourish.

"Each school, equal partners in a combined Trust, will continue to have its own local governors. Governors will continue to play a key role in the Trust’s processes for supporting schools and holding the school leadership to account.”

They said that both trusts recognise the risks of expansion and are considering them carefully as part of this exploratory work.

They say though that in an increasingly challenging educational landscape both trusts believe that these risks may be mitigated by collaboration and sharing expertise.

The trusts say a combined trust would be 'an inclusive, welcoming body that supports and nurtures all children encouraging them to take advantage of every opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of background or ability'.

The consultation will run from November 18 until December this year.

Please see the individual trust and school websites for information as to how contributions can be made to the process.