Joint statement from Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and Cumbria Education Trust
Cumbria Education Trust (CET) is thrilled to announce its official partnership with Kirkby Stephen Grammar School (KSGS). This exciting development marks a new chapter for KSGS, with a focus on enhancing student outcomes, investing in staff development, and expanding resources for the entire school community.
This transition also signals the start of a new Southern Hub for CET, which will consist of a network of schools within Westmorland and Furness Council. KSGS is the first of four schools set to join CET this academic year. By expanding into southern Cumbria, CET aims to further its vision of providing an inspiring and enriching education for all young people across the region.
By joining CET, KSGS brings valuable experience and expertise to the Trust and its schools. CET’s goal is to build a broad network of educational knowledge and resources, fostering deep, meaningful collaboration within the education sector. KSGS will be the fourth secondary school to join CET, alongside ten primary schools and a joint sixth form.
Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive at CET, shared her enthusiasm, “I am delighted to welcome KSGS into CET’s family of schools. KSGS is a strong school, and I look forward to nurturing the knowledge and expertise they bring to the Trust. We have already established a productive, collaborative relationship, and I am excited to see this relationship grow, benefiting our entire community – staff, parents, students, and beyond.”
Gary Hartley, Headteacher at KSGS, expressed similar enthusiasm, saying, “The Department for Education advised us that joining a Trust would be the most beneficial path for our school. After consulting with various Multi-Academy Trust leaders, both myself and our Chair of Governors were impressed by the support CET offered.
“CET stood out as the only local MAT with a proven record of success in supporting secondary schools, as seen in the remarkable progress made at The Whitehaven Academy and Workington Academy.
“Since March 2023, we have built a highly productive and collaborative working relationship with CET leaders and staff, benefiting from their expertise in safeguarding, teaching, learning, assessment, leadership, and professional development opportunities. I look forward to strengthening this relationship next year, not only to leverage CET’s resources and capacity but also to share our strengths with the Trust’s broader school community.”
As part of CET, KSGS will retain its unique identity and values while benefiting from CET’s shared expertise, governance, and resources. This partnership is designed to enrich students’ educational experiences and support their academic and personal growth, ensuring a strong future for the entire KSGS community.
