A NEW trust has been launched to strengthen an existing partnership between three Worcestershire schools.

The new Hanley and Upton Educational Trust, a multi-academy trust (MAT), formalises the existing strong partnership between Hanley Castle High School, Hanley Swan St Gabriel's with St Mary's Church of England Primary School and Kempsey Primary School.

The three schools share values, and the new MAT has been established to further improve the quality of educational provision for the youngsters aged between four and 19-years-old within the three schools.

It is planned for the MAT to operate in the background with the schools preserving their individual identities, as well as gaining additional freedom, funding and ability to share best practice through the new partnership.

In addition, the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust will seek to build closer links with other schools in order to improve further the quality of educational provision for all children in the South Worcestershire area and further afield.

The chief executive officer of the new MAT is Lindsey Cooke, who also continues her role as headteacher of Hanley Castle High School.

Mrs Cooke said: "We are delighted that our vision for the young people of our part of Worcestershire has become a reality.

"The teachers at Hanley Castle are genuinely excited about sharing ideas with their primary colleagues and making the children’s transition from primary to secondary school even smoother and more successful."

Headteacher of Kempsey, Bryony Baynes, said: “This is something towards which we have been moving for quite some time.

"We are very excited about the opportunities this will bring for working closely with the other schools in the MAT, something which will benefit all our children."

Headteacher of Hanley Swan, Mr Adrian Pratley added: "The whole of the school community is excited about this new partnership between the three schools.

"It will build on all the good work that currently goes on and improve the educational outcomes and experiences even further for the children at our school."

For more details on the partnership email lfc12@hanleycastle.worcs.sch.uk.