Following a thorough and extensive investigation, we have been exploring the possibility of joining a like-minded, values driven multi academy trust. We are pleased to announce that our board of trustees has identified Anglian Learning as the multi academy trust we wish to join. It is important to us that Stour Valley Community School and Clare Community Primary School are in a trust that has the right foundations, values, culture, structures, systems and resources moving forward.

The trust boards of both organisations need to agree to the transfer and this will be dependent on a period of due diligence and engagement with stakeholders, including our staff, parents and our wider community which is now taking place. If both trust boards agree to proceed, the Department for Education Advisory Board will make the final decision about the transfer of SVET into Anglian Learning. This decision is currently expected to be by the end of the Summer term. More detailed legal and human resources work would follow with a transfer expected in early 2025.

Rachel Kelly, SVET’s CEO said: “We think that Anglian Learning will be a good fit with the community culture and ethos of our two schools in SVET. Both our schools are in a strong position and we will be entering into this process with plenty to offer as well as looking to benefit from being a part of a larger, collaborative group of schools. The resources we will access will mean we can be proactive in addressing school improvement needs and enhancing the school experience of students and staff. Exciting times ahead.”

Jonathan Culpin, Anglian Learning’s CEO, said: "We are delighted to be working with SVET who share our core vision and values, a commitment to a broad and balanced curriculum providing the best possible educational opportunities for young people and development opportunities for staff. This is potentially an exciting period of growth for Anglian Learning."