Three popular primary schools in Fulham are looking to join forces and become a single multi-academic trust.
Sulivan, Queen’s Manor and Fulham primary schools have been asking for feedback from parents, staff and other stakeholders on their plans, with a consultation period ending on May 13.
The headteachers of the three schools believe the move, which has the backing of Hammersmith and Fulham Council , will bring many benefits. They say there will be more learning opportunities and activities for pupils, and running costs will be reduced allowing more money to be spend on children’ education.
Staff will be trained more effectively and the schools will be able to learn from each other's good work, it is claimed.
A final decision on the plans is expected to be announced by the governors of each school on May 24. If it gets the go ahead, multi-academy trust would have its own board of up to 11 directors made up of current governors, headteachers and people with particular expertise.
But it has been stressed there will be little disruption to pupils’ learning, who will still wear the same uniforms, and be taught by the same staff in the same buildings.
Headteachers will also share their expertise but would still be responsible for their own schools which would also have their own governing bodies.
The popularity of the three schools has resulted in high number of parents applying for their children to attend there. Sulivan has also increased capacity this year to 60.
Endorsing the proposals, Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s children and education chief Sue Macmillan said: “From sharing expertise and facilities to the introduction of new and exciting activities and additions to the curriculum, it will be the pupils who benefit most.
"This is something I believe parents, teachers and the local communities will support.
“These schools are meeting a growing need for places in Fulham. In particular, in recent years Sulivan has gone from being threatened with closure to now being oversubscribed. By working with other schools, it will be better able to make even greater improvements to the high quality education it provides.”
“We will continue to work closely with all three schools as they consult on their plans, and in the years ahead as they continue to inspire their pupils to become confident, capable young people.”
