Plans have been drawn up and communicated to families regarding a new formal partnership between St Saviour’s Infant Church School and St Saviour’s Junior Church School in Larkhall, Bath.
The Governing Bodies and the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust have created plans for a formal partnership that will see the schools share governance and senior leadership from September 2019. Both schools will continue to be separate, with their own name, ethos and budgets.
Mr Ed Harker, Headteacher of St Saviour’s Infants, has decided to leave the school at the end of this academic year after 22 years as a Nursery Teacher and Headteacher.
“It’s been my privilege and pleasure to lead the Nursery Class and Infant School, playing a part in the lives of so many young children and their families during their early years. I look forward to watching the two St Saviour’s schools growing together over the coming years, as I move on to new adventures.”
Mr Joe Beament, Headteacher of St Saviour’s Juniors will take over as Executive Headteacher of both schools, with the current Deputy Headteachers, Mrs Sophie Hunt and Mrs Jenni Simmons, taking on Head of School positions within the new structure.
Joe said, “Ed Harker has been a fantastic Headteacher who has carefully developed a caring, child focused Infant and Nursery School over the past two decades. Ed and I have worked together to develop this exciting collaboration that will allow the two St Saviour’s schools to benefit from an even closer relationship. The school and community will miss Ed greatly and we look forward to hearing of his future endeavours.”
In the last few years, the Infant and Junior Schools have worked together to enhance the educational experience for all children. The schools are already part of a collaborative network of local primary schools within the Bath and Wells Multi-Academy Trust. This provides the opportunity to further develop and strengthen these links.
The plan that has been shared will ensure the individuality and unique character of both schools are protected within a single leadership and governance structure. This partnership will be designed to ensure an effective strategic response to the challenges that all schools currently face. This arrangement will provide options to share staff expertise, training opportunities and best practice across both schools.
Joe is passionate about creating an environment and collaboration that is fun and exciting, keeping children engaged and happy so they do well in school. He explains, “Both schools have a strong ethos and values that underpin a happy learning environment. This collaboration creates wonderful opportunities for the children and staff to share different ideas and reflect on teaching and learning approaches, ensuring we offer a world class education for every child in the St Saviour’s family. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved!”