Ilfracombe Arts College has relaunched as The Ilfracombe Academy, part of the St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust, set up by the Diocese of Exeter’s Board of Education to support schools becoming academies.

 

The Bishop of Exeter, Rt Revd Michael Langrish enjoyed a tour of the newly formed Ilfracombe Academy, meeting students, staff and governors. He visited on the day the Ilfracombe Arts College officially became the Ilfracombe Academy, part of the St Christopher’s Multi Academy Trust, set up by the Diocese of Exeter’s Board of Education to support schools becoming academies.

 

The Ilfracombe Academy is the first school to join the Trust. Several church primary schools are due to join in September.

 

Bishop Michael had a "very enjoyable" discussion with Sixth Form students who are studying ethics and philosophy, before meeting staff and members of the newly formed governing body.

 

Father Robert Harris, Vicar of Holy Trinity and St. Peter’s, Ilfracombe, is chair of the new governing body. He said: “This is an exciting new development which gives all involved in the Academy to work with the Diocese of Exeter and our school improvement partners as we continue not only to raise standards of achievement and student aspiration but also provide pastoral support and opportunity for the more vulnerable students within our community.”
 

Bishop Michael said: “I am delighted to welcome The Ilfracombe Academy as the first school to join our newly established Trust. The School has a great leadership team and enthusiastic and highly talented students, and I know will go from strength to strength. St Christopher's is there to support the school, teachers and students on this road."

Head Teacher Sharon Marshall said: “We are really delighted that the plans we have been working on for the last 18 months have enabled the school to become a Academy, supported by St Christopher’s. It is an exciting opportunity for staff and students to work with and learn from new partners. We have already benefited from working with the Diocese in a number of areas, particularly establishing links with church schools in the area, and we know that this has the potential to grow and benefit staff, students and our whole community.”