Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Penrith along with St Bees Village Primary School were given the go ahead by the Department for Education to join Changing Lives Learning Trust formally known as West Lakes Multi Academy Trust today 1st November 2023. The Trust is sponsored by Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and the University of Central Lancashire and receives state funding to support schools and its vision, to enable those they undertake to teach and train to have a preparation for life that is excelled by no other. By joining CLLT, staff will share their expertise, knowledge and skills to collaborate with other members of now seven schools and improve education across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness even further.
The Penrith school has experienced a difficult period over the last few years resulting in the school been issued with a 'notice to improve' following a Education and Social Fund Agency report last year and was ordered to repay £1.5million in government funding.
Parents of students at the school expressed concerns when the plans were announced join a multi-academy trust last year.
David Marchant, Headteacher at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, said:
“This is an exciting time for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. As a Beacon of Excellence for Cumbria, QEGS is proud to be joining a trust with such high aspirations and a track record of transforming the lives of young people just as we have been doing for over 450 years. We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership brings for students, staff and the wider community.”
Maggie Robson, Chair of Trustees at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, said:
“Queen Elizabeth Grammar School is a fantastic school with a long history. I am delighted that in this partnership with Changing Lives Learning Trust the school will be able to continue its successes and traditions long into the future.”
Jonathan Johnson, Chief Executive of Changing Lives Learning Trust, added:
“On behalf of our Sponsors, Trustees, Governors and colleagues, I am pleased to welcome all the great staff, children, parents and communities of both schools to Changing Lives. We are excited to work with them to continue filling the children with an energy and enthusiasm for learning.
We relish working in schools that have their eyes fixed on the daily pursuit of changing lives. By bringing evidence-informed and research-based best practice to bear on all our work we will surely support each child to grow in their abilities.
It is my fervent prayer that each day our work will be evidently powerful and effective in changing lives in a way that is excelled by no other.”
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