Two primary schools have joined the St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust, set up by the diocese of Exeter’s board of education to support church schools becoming academies.
 

St Marychurch Church of England primary and nursery school and All Saints Babbacombe Church of England primary school, both in Torquay, will become academies on 1 March.
 

They join two other primary academies, in Heavitree, Exeter and in Plymouth and one secondary academy in Ilfracombe which are already in St Christopher’s MAT.
 

All Saints primary has 206 pupils on its roll currently. Head Teacher Caroline Labrum said: “I am delighted to be joining our very own family of church schools in the St Christopher’s MAT. We are all looking forward to getting to know our community of schools and making links between staff and children. This is an exciting step in our journey to be outstanding, holding hands with all the schools in St Christopher’s!”
 

St Marychurch primary has 331 children on its roll. Head Teacher Nikki Bond said: “St Marychurch are very excited to be joining St Christopher's MAT. We know it will enable us to use the greater freedoms granted to academies to grow and develop into a school which not only serves our pupils in the best possible way but work closely with the other schools in the trust to grow together. We will be able to work together to provide all children with an outstanding quality of education.”
 

St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust was set up to support church schools becoming academies, to ensure they achieve high educational standards and maintain a distinctive Christian ethos.

The Diocese of Exeter has a long track record in education; educating around 22,000 children in 130 church schools, the vast majority of which are rated by Ofsted as good or outstanding.

The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Nick McKinnel, is chair of the Diocese of Exeter’s board of education. He said he was delighted the two primary schools had joined the Trust.
 

“Both schools are committed to working together to provide an excellent education and life opportunities for their pupils. Being part of the academy trust allows us to support to staff and pupils as they strive to reach their full potential.”