The decision follows an extensive consultation and overwhelming support from the school community.
As sponsor, The Marches School will continue to provide advice and support to Sir John Talbot’s School and the current acting Headteacher, Mr David O’Toole has now been appointed as Headteacher designate.
The month long consultation involved key stakeholders including staff, students, parents, prospective parents, Primary School Heads and trustees. The consultation generated an overwhelming level of support for the school’s plans to convert to an academy, with the Marches Academy Trust as its sponsor.
Mrs Sarah Longville, Executive Headteacher of The Marches Academy Trust, commented: “Many academies across the country currently operate within a Multi–Academy structure and are testimony to the benefits that working collaboratively brings. There is a drive nationally towards collaboration between schools and by sponsoring Sir John Talbot’s, this will enable us provide the school with the support and stability it needs to thrive”.
Mr David O’Toole, Acting Headteacher added: “I see an exciting future ahead for Sir John Talbot’s School and I am thoroughly looking forward to taking up the permanent position as Headteacher. The school really does sit at the centre of the Whitchurch community and I am confident that a collaborative partnership with The Marches School will ensure SJT is the school of choice for parents and children in the Whitchurch area”.
Kate Campion, Chair of the Interim Executive board commented, “The Interim Executive Board is delighted that a long term, sustainable future has been secured for the school and we look forward to working with the sponsor to ensure transition does not interrupt learning”.
Ann Hartley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is really good news for Sir John Talbot’s. We want SJT to become the school of choice for all 11-18 year olds in Whitchurch and its surrounding area, and to make sure the pupils are getting the very best education opportunities possible. Becoming a sponsored academy is a very important development in helping us to do this, and I’m delighted that there is so much local support for this move.”
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