Directors in charge of a new school academy trust on the Lizard Peninsula have described it as “an exciting time” for the five schools involved.

Chairman of the newly formed board of directors Pam Miller welcomed the creation of the Keskowethyans Multi Academy Trust, which has now come into force involving Coverack, Grade Ruan, Manaccan, St Keverne and St Martin primary schools.

They were previously part of the Keskowethyans Primary Schools Partnership, which shared the same headteacher – Tom Harman.

Mrs Miller said: “This is such good news and something to really celebrate.

“It is an exciting time for our five schools, bringing with it the freedoms and flexibilities of academy status which will, in addition to many new opportunities, enable us to fulfil our shared vision of maintaining our schools in our communities, each with its own unique ethos and identity.”

Although the schools already shared resources, by becoming a joint academy they will now receive funding directly from central government rather than Cornwall Council and will be able to decide how to use the money, as well as set their own curricula.

Responsibility will be given to a new, over-arching governing body, although each individual school will also maintain its own smaller governing body.

Mrs Miller said the newly appointed members and board of directors had “every confidence” that this was “the best way forward in securing a future for the schools in their communities and the best possible outcomes for the children.”

Mr Harman said: “For a number of years now our five primary schools have worked very closely together, sharing resources and expertise, to really drive up standards and give the children the best possible opportunities in the difficult economic climate we all face.

“Staff and governors have worked tirelessly to bring the academy conversion to fruition and everyone is looking forward with confidence to the challenges ahead.”

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