Castle Carrock Primary has become the latest school to join Cumbria Education Trust.
The rural primary is the 12th school to become part of CET (13 including West Coast Sixth Form), which is now responsible for the education of more than 4,500 young people across the county.
The six-week summer break saw a huge programme of refurbishment work undertaken inside and out – with a team working against the clock to have everything shipshape for the return to class. Walls, windows and doors have been repaired, the building re-painted and carpeted throughout and IT systems updated.
The school also has a new leadership team with Jemma Nicholson, as interim Executive Headteacher for both Castle Carrock and Longtown Primary schools, and Anna Carroll joining as Head of School.
Jemma said: “It’s fantastic for the children to come into a building that’s been refreshed and facilities like the IT improved. It’s a more inspiring setting for their learning and we hope it gives them an added boost.”
Anna, who was previously Deputy Headteacher at CET’s Caldew Lea Primary in Carlisle, said: “There’s fantastic potential for the school to grow further.
“We’re in a fabulous rural environment and our vision includes using the grounds to encourage the children to be outdoors. It’s really important there’s an emphasis on the academic, but also that school is a place the children enjoy coming to and spending time in.”
Both Castle Carrock and Longtown are feeder schools for CET’s William Howard School, at Brampton, and will be looking to increase links with the secondary, including being able to call on specialist teaching support, for lessons like PE and languages.
Chris Wilkins, the trust’s Director of Primary Education, said: “We are delighted to welcome Castle Carrock Primary School into our family of schools. CET has been working tirelessly with the staff over the summer to ensure the school is in a great place to start the new term.
“Anna Carroll joins the school as a leader with experience, enthusiasm and a desire to ensure the whole community in Castle Carrock is really proud of their school.”
