1. Cavendish Learning Trust
Information for schools looking to join a multi academy trust (MAT)
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2. Who are we?
The Cavendish Learning Trust formed in September 2016 and we are;
Netherthorpe School - Ofsted Good secondary school of students
Barrow Hill Primary School – Ofsted Good which has rapidly improved from Special Measures
Poolsbrook Primary School - Ofsted Good
Whitecotes Primary School - Ofsted Category working collaboratively to improve
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3. Why did we begin this journey ?
Derbyshire is high on the Government’s agenda for academisation
The percentage of schools below Good and Outstanding in Derbyshire is far higher than nationally
We believe that this area has the expertise within, to produce Good and Outstanding schools if we work together. The area will not benefit from large, remote National Academy chains taking over and imposing
We passionately believe that through effective support, challenge and collaborative working any school can reach at least Good
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4. What is our vision ?
A family of schools working together to provide an excellent education at the heart of our community
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5. What is our Mission Statement?
Deliver the highest quality of education, at the heart of our communities, for the benefit of the children and young people of North Derbyshire and surrounding area
Every child to feel safe, respected, known and fully supported
Every child to become a successful and confident learner, motivated to acquire the skills and knowledge ready to become responsible and employable citizens in the future
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6. What is our Mission Statement?
(continued)
Develop a family of schools that work closely together, helping and challenging each other to continually improve through collaboration and mutual support
Provide a range of memorable learning experiences for students, both in and out of the classroom, in order to raise aspirations, broaden horizons, nurture talent and develop the whole person
Provide professional development opportunities for all staff at every stage of their development, with recognized systems of accreditation, in order to grow our own exceptional support staff, teachers and leaders
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7. Everything we do is measured against these three criteria
What is our Trust motto?
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Everything we do is measured against these three criteria
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8. How does our MAT work ?
The Trust is strategically led by a Board of Directors – chosen for their skills set
Our Board has 12 appointed Directors/Trustees
Each school maintains its Local Governing Body (LGB) and that must consist of at least 2 parent representatives
The scope of the authority of the Board and the LGBs is set out in two documents that can be found on the Cavendish Learning Trust website
Terms of reference
Schemes of Delegation – Annex 3
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9. How does our MAT work?
Member schools manage their own budgets, but the Board is ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and the prudent management of all finances
The Trust will monitor performance against budget for each school and provide clear monthly summaries to the leaders of each school
A single set of accounts for the Trust is reported annually to the Education Funding Agency (EFA) and is produced by the Director of Finance and approved by the Board
In order to drive consistency and quality across the Trust some services have been centralised eg Finance, HR, Facilities management etc.
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10. The Central Support Team
Alan Senior – Former Headteacher of Netherthorpe and now providing support for the new Executive Headteacher, David Williams
David Plummer – Finance Director
Neil Hemmingway – HR manager
Lynn McGee – Business Officer
Duncan Carlile – Site Facilities Manager
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11. Executive Leadership Team
David Williams
Executive Headteacher of the Cavendish Learning Trust
Head teacher of Netherthorpe
Previously the Principal of an academy which was part of a large Trust
Karen Porteous
Executive Primary Lead
Headteacher of Barrow Hill Primary Academy
Karen is a Local Leader of Education and is leading the support of Whitecotes Primary Academy and the implementation of collaborative working between the three primary schools
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12. What will it cost a school to join?
The Local Authority ‘top slices’ money owed to a school to maintain central services, once a school converts, this ‘top-slice’ comes to the school.
Funding is available from the Regional School’s Commissioner (RSC) to cover conversion and other transformational costs
When a school joins the Trust a percentage of the school’s budget will be paid to the Trust in return for central services and support
In 2016/17 the schools are paying 2.5% each from their EFA funding – we expect this to be 3.7% from September 2017.
For schools who are already Single Academy Trusts and will not benefit from redeeming the Local Authority ‘top slice’ a special rate may be negotiable for the first year of joining
There are substantial grants available to aid transition – the Trust will help
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13. Planning for Success The Cavendish Learning Trust will
expand sustainably, never having more than one secondary and one primary school in the Trust that is Ofsted 4 at any one time
build capacity so that no Good or Outstanding school is put at risk because of its support of another school
continue to work in partnership alongside the Department for Education
ensure every academy in the Trust is proudly non –selective
value our excellent working relationships with Trade Unions
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14. Growth Plan 2016/17 and 2017/18
We would welcome other Good or Outstanding secondary schools to build capacity during 2016/17 and 2017/18
We would welcome a Secondary school wishing to reach Good or Outstanding during 2017/18
We would welcome a Primary school wishing to move from RI to Good or Outstanding during 2016/17
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15. What’s in it for us?
Become part of a family of local schools working collaboratively to improve outcomes for the children in this area. An opportunity to share your strengths, and learn from the strengths of others.
A chance to contribute to the development of the Trust – this is the national direction of travel and you would be part of this
Opportunities for staff to develop themselves professionally in a formal structured way and gain further professional accreditation through the Trust. Access to the Teaching School if our bid is successful
Opportunities for staff to support others
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16. What’s in it for us?
Support from a central team of fully qualified Finance, HR, ICT and Site experts giving more time to focus on Teaching and Learning
Budget savings through centralised services, purchasing and site management
Opportunities to access capital funds and other funds – support with bid writing from the central team
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17. Where can we find out more?
More information can be found on our website at: If you wish to arrange a meeting to ask further questions or to arrange a meeting with your leadership team or Governors please contact Lynn McGee Mrs L McGee Tel:
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