A CITY primary school has opted to become part of a growing York academy trust.

Osbaldwick Primary School will join forces with York-based Ebor Academy Trust after governors voted to convert to academy status and out of local authority control.

The move comes after a six-week multi-academy trust consultation period where governors considered options and views expressed by parents, staff and the community.

Paula Jackson, chairman of governors at the school, said: “Ebor Academy Trust was chosen for its many strengths, including its significant capacity to support the school’s teaching, leadership and management.

“The governing body would like to reiterate that Osbaldwick School will maintain a good and close working relationship with Archbishop Holgate’s CE School, in particular as it continues to receive a high proportion of our pupils for secondary education.

York Press:

“The senior leadership teams of both schools confirmed this change will not affect the experience of Osbaldwick pupils in any way.

“Our excellent transition and joint activities will be unaffected and continue as usual.”

Head teacher Lesley Barringer said: “This decision represents an exciting opportunity for the further development of our school.

“Ultimately and most importantly, it allows us to continue to work towards achieving the best possible outcomes for our pupils, their parents and our staff.”

Ebor’s Chief Executive Richard Ludlow said: “I am very pleased Osbaldwick is joining our family of schools.

“This is a great opportunity for all concerned to shape our trust as we move forward – these really are exciting times.”

With its headquarters in York, the growing Ebor Academy Trust currently comprises seven schools, with two more joining on 1 April.

The Press reported last month that Lakeside School at Clifton Moor is also looking to to convert to an academy and join Ebor.

By September next year, Ebor expects to have 20 schools in the trust, in geographic hubs in York, Selby, on the Yorkshire Coast and the East Riding.

The trust comprises Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall and Haxby Road Primary Academy within the city, plus five other schools across Yorkshire including Brotherton and Byram.

Archbishop Holgate’s CE is already a secondary academy, but is part of another York academy trust -the Pathfinder MAT which also includes Hempland primary in Heworth and Badgerhill primary in Heslington.