A SCHOOLS trust in York has a double celebration on its hands.

South Bank Multi Academy Trust (MAT) turns three this year and is also ready to welcome another school to its ranks.

Currently the MAT comprises three York primary schools and two secondaries and pupils from Knavesmire Primary School, Millthorpe School, Scarcroft Primary School, Woodthorpe Primary School and York High School are welcoming Carr Junior School in Acomb as it joins the trust on May 1.

The trust celebrated this week with a cake baked especially for the event by South Bank MAT’s chairman of trustees, Edwin Thomas.

Jo Edwards took over as trust principal from former Scarcroft head teacher Anna Cornhill when she retired in September.

She said: “Since starting at South Bank MAT I have been impressed with the close links that have continued to be developed between the schools at every level.

“The equitable and collaborative approach of the Trust ensures that the school communities maintain their unique identities whilst benefitting from working closely together.”

CLICK HERE FOR A GALLERY OF OLD PHOTOS OF CARR JUNIOR SCHOOL

Edwin Thomas said: “We formed this trust three years ago because we believed that local schools, working collaboratively, could provide the best possible

education for the children in our community.

“In the last three years we’ve built up links between the schools to enhance learning opportunities for our children and staff.

“We’ve been able to invest over £3 million in improved facilities and put more money into frontline teaching through economies of scale.

“We’ve also developed an innovative model of collaborative leadership so that every school is an equal partner in the Trust’s achievements.

“I’m delighted to be celebrating this milestone and am looking forward to many more years of the schools’ successes.”

The Southbank schools of Millthorpe, Knavesmire and Scarcroft first floated the idea of becoming a MAT outside of council control in spring 2015, and a final vote of Scarcroft governors in February 2016 gave it the go-ahead.

The plan attracted opposition from some parents who said it would kill-off the local accountability that schools have under council control.