Five schools in Gloucestershire have commenced the new academic year under the leadership of Lift Schools following the recent official takeover. Lift Schools, which now manages 62 academies across the country, has taken control of three primary schools, one junior school in the county, as well as Stroud’s oldest secondary institution.
The takeover impacts nearly 2,000 pupils across these sites. Four of the schools will undergo rebranding under the Lift name; however, Marling School, a selective grammar school established in 1887, will retain its original name after opposition to the proposed “Lift Marling” rebrand.
The affected schools, along with their latest pupil numbers and Ofsted ratings from the gov.uk school information service, include Berkeley, Callowell, Cam Woodfield Junior, Marling School, and Hillview.
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Berkeley, Callowell, Cam Woodfield Junior, and Marling School were previously part of the Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust. Trustees decided that joining a larger school network would be beneficial for these schools.
Chris Briereley, chair of trustees at the Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust, commented: “We are very pleased that Berkeley, Callowell, Cam Woodfield Junior, and Marling School have successfully transferred to Lift Schools. This represents a positive next step, formalising our previous partnership and ensuring the long-term stability of our schools. Joining the network provides access to a wider pool of expertise, enhanced professional development opportunities for staff, and greater collaboration, while preserving the distinctive ethos and identity of each school.”
Hillview School also sought inclusion in a larger trust to provide “enhanced opportunities for pupils and staff, alongside a network of support,” according to Lift Schools. It recently converted to academy status as part of this process, having previously been maintained by Gloucestershire County Council.
Hillview’s principal, Helena Armstrong, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Hillview has now opened as part of Lift Schools. As a school, we are always seeking new ways to achieve excellence. Joining Lift allows us to collaborate with like-minded schools and ensure the very best for every child, every day. We chose Lift because they share our ethos of delivering an excellent education for every child, respect the individuality of each school and its community, and are forward-thinking and innovative in preparing children for the future. These shared values give us great confidence as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”
Rebecca Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools, added: “As a national network of local schools, collaboration sits at the heart of our approach. We look forward to working closely with school leaders, staff, and wider local communities to build on their strengths, support continued improvement, and ensure every pupil can achieve and thrive.”