Stour Valley Educational Trust

Proposal for the schools of Stour Valley Educational Trust to join Anglian Learning

Stour Valley Educational Trust (SVET) is a multi academy trust based in Suffolk that is comprised of Clare Community Primary School and Stour Valley Community School. The directors of SVET are proposing that their two member schools join Anglian Learning. If approved, the two schools would become part of Anglian Learning. At this point, Anglian Learning would become accountable and responsible for the two SVET schools, including their performance, standards and pupil outcomes. The schools’ colleagues would become employees of Anglian Learning.

Why Anglian Learning?

This decision followed a period of research conducted by SVET’s Trust Board to help inform their final decisions. Consideration was given to what was in the best interests of learners now and in the future as well as what the implications of the options would be for colleagues, parents and the community that both schools of SVET serve. SVET’s current size and limited central infrastructure made it challenging for the trust to offer the kind of leadership support that was desired. SVET trustees are fiercely ambitious that both schools should offer the very best quality of education enabling each pupil to fulfil their full educational potential.

SVET trustees chose Anglian Learning for the following key reasons:

• There is an alignment of values and aims between SVET and Anglian Learning and Anglian Learning embraces and encourages the uniqueness of each of its member schools.
• Anglian Learning has an established primary school hub where the impact of school-to-school collaboration and trust leadership has already had very positive outcomes.
• Anglian Learning has six strong secondary schools that work closely together to develop best practice in teaching, learning and curriculum, and coordinate resources and expertise across the schools, enhancing their quality of provision.
• Anglian Learning schools are all within close proximity of SVET member schools, although no school is within the same or neighbouring catchment, therefore, there remains a choice in the local area for pupils and parents and conditions for effective collaboration.
• Anglian Learning has a supportive and experienced central team in a range of areas to help advise and support SVET member schools, where needed and where appropriate.

For Anglian Learning, Clare Community Primary School and Stour Valley Community School will bring significant expertise, knowledge and capacity to that of the current group of schools in the Trust. The addition of SVET will also enable Anglian Learning to sustain and build upon its work in Suffolk, working in partnership with other trusts and with the Local Authority to support wider system improvement.

Engagement Period

A period of due diligence was conducted by Anglian Learning’s central team during the Spring term which informed their Trust Board’s decision to progress with the transfer plans.

An engagement period to consult with all who have a stake in the decision of Stour Valley Educational Trust’s schools to join Anglian Learning took place from 16 April to 24 May 2024 when plans were shared and views sought. The consultation report, which is available to download at the bottom of this page, provides information on the aims and approach of the engagement period, the opportunities for colleagues, trustees, governors, trade unions and the school community to attend meetings, a summary of questions asked and a brief of frequently asked questions and responses.

Application Update

An application has been submitted to the DfE Advisory Board for a decision on the requested transfer which is expected to be received within the Autumn term 2024. If the transfer is approved and both Anglian Learning’s and SVET’s Trust Boards also agree to the transfer taking place, then it is proposed that this will happen in early 2025. At this point, Stour Valley Educational Trust will be wound up and cease and SVET directors will no longer be responsible for its schools.

The Local Governing Bodies (LGB) of both schools will continue to have representation for parents, colleagues and the wider school community. Some responsibilities of the LGB will change to enable governors to support school leaders with safeguarding, SEND, standards, stakeholder engagement and the education of pupils.

Pupils will continue to be taught by the same teachers in the same classrooms and they may notice changes through having access to a wider range of opportunities, as they benefit from Anglian Learning’s Trust-wide initiatives to enhance teaching, learning, the curriculum and their school environments.

Jonathan Culpin, Anglian Learning’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be working with SVET who share our core vision and values, a commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum providing the best possible educational opportunities for young people and development opportunities for colleagues. This is potentially an exciting period of growth for Anglian Learning.”

Rachel Kelly, SVET’s CEO said:” We think that Anglian Learning will be a good fit with the community culture and ethos of our two schools in SVET. Both our schools are in a strong position and we will be entering into this process with plenty to offer as well as looking to benefit from being a part of a larger, collaborative group of schools. The resources we will access will mean we can be proactive in addressing school improvement needs and enhancing the school experience of students and colleagues. Exciting times ahead”.