The Regional Schools Commissioner has decided that Silverdale Multi Academy Trust and Reach4 Academy Trust will be the sponsors for the new schools in south west and north east Sheffield.

The announcement follows a selection process run by the Department for Education. Academy trusts were invited to apply to run the new schools, which are needed to meet the rising demand for school places in Sheffield, in March 2016.

Sponsors showed that they could meet the Sheffield Asks, the Council’s expectations of new sponsors, which include demonstrating their ability to improve the outcomes of local children and commitment to working with families, other schools, the local community and the council.

The trusts will now begin the planning process to make sure the new schools are open in September 2018.  Silverdale Multi Academy Trust will run the south west one for children aged 11 to 18. Reach4 will run the north east school which will be a through school for children aged 2 to 18.

As well as working with the council on the design and build, one of the first priorities for the Academy Trusts will be to work with the council, other schools and parents in setting the admissions arrangements in the Autumn term.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families at Sheffield City Council, said: “I’m excited that we are building two new schools in the areas of the city where we need school places and look forward to working in partnership with the sponsors to help achieve our ambition for Sheffield. That is every child, young person and family achieves their full potential by raising expectations, attainment and enabling enriching expectations.

“I believe working with Silverdale Multi Academy Trust and Reach4 Academy Trust we have a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference to the life chances of many children and families in our City.

“We are looking forward to working with them the academies for this exciting challenge ahead.”

Roisin Paul, Executive Headteacher of Silverdale Multi-Academy Trust and Headteacher of Silverdale school said: “We are delighted that the Regional Schools Commissioner has placed their trust in Silverdale Multi Academy Trust to sponsor the new secondary school in south west Sheffield.

 

“We appreciate what an important responsibility this is and are committed to ensuring that the Silverdale ethos of outstanding achievement for all, will be at the heart of the new school. Every child who enters the school will be part  of an outstanding learning experience, drawing on the skills and talents we already have in the Silverdale team.

 

“We see the new school as being at the heart of the local community. Building on the excellent expertise and experience of Silverdale School, we will work with people locally to create more than just a school, but a community hub that provides resources and opportunities for everyone.

 

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for staff, students and the local community. We look forward to listening to everyone’s ideas about how we can ensure the school is a great success and deliver on our vision of another outstanding school for Sheffield.”

Libby Nicholas, CEO of Reach4 Academy Trust, said: “ We are absolutely delighted to be working with Sheffield City Council on this exciting new school to serve families in the north east of Sheffield.

 

“We are now working with more than a dozen academies in the region, and are committed to providing every single one of our children and young people with an education that offers inspiration beyond measure. We look forward to working with the council, local schools and families to establish this brand new school and make that offer readily available to even more young people.”