Local Multi Academy Trust welcomes new school

Heap Bridge Village Primary School in Heywood has joined Hollingworth Learning Trust after just over two years of collaboration as an affiliate member.

Hollingworth Learning Trust was established in April 2020, this followed the successes of Hollingworth Academy, a school recently awarded World Class Schools status.

Newhouse Academy in Heywood, formerly Siddal Moor, joined the Multi Academy Trust (MAT) in April 2020 after a period of support, developing a strong and effective relationship between the two schools and drawing on the expertise across the trust.

This has resulted in Newhouse Academy becoming one of the most improved schools nationally between 2019 and 2024.

Heap Bridge Village Primary School, located on the outskirts of Heywood, is the first primary school to join the small local trust.

As such they have been in a unique position to establish a framework for primary schools operating within the trust which will further benefit the school and trust in both the short and long term.

The trust says that pupil outcomes at Heap Bridge are consistently strong across all areas, and they have a strong track record of collaboration across local schools. The leadership has prioritised a thoughtful approach to expansion, focusing on the establishment of robust systems and processes that facilitate sustainable progress.

Consequently, the group of schools is flourishing and remains dedicated to enhancing the lives and opportunities of local children and young people.

Marcus Cockcroft, headteacher at Heap Bridge Village Primary School said: “We have worked closely with Hollingworth Learning Trust now for over two years and have been exceptionally impressed with the support we have received.

"Their IT support (replacing EDIT in September 2023), cyber and network security practices, and the developments they have made in supporting our transition to a completely cloud based working environment has been very impressive.

“We have equally been impressed with the advice and support received through the central service team as we planned for transition into the trust.

“A bonus within our journey with Hollingworth Learning Trust has been our work with the other primaries through their affiliate schools programme.

"The opportunities to build new relationships with a broad range of local schools and headteachers has supported our own school improvement agenda and will continue to do so as we continue with the SEND focus this year.

“We are confident that by becoming a part of Hollingworth Learning Trust, we are well-positioned to receive ongoing support and constructive challenges that will help us achieve our overarching goal of delivering the absolute best level of education and provision possible.

“We look forward to a new chapter in the Heap Bridge story and are keen to help shape and support Hollingworth Learning Trust as it grows, utilising our skills and talents to work collaboratively with other schools.

"We believe strongly that this will be in the best interests of our children and school community.”

Darren Randle, chief executive officer at Hollingworth Learning Trust, said: “At Hollingworth Learning Trust the success and wellbeing of our children, staff and families drives everything we do. We are delighted to welcome Heap Bridge Village Primary School to our trust.

"Heap Bridge is a distinctive, strong primary school with experienced leaders and a great staff. We look forward to working as partners, in order to provide the very best education for our children in an environment that supports, values, and recognises our people.

“We are delighted of their decision to join us and become part of a supportive and innovative network of schools, each contributing its unique strengths to the collective success of our trust.”