Schools to be run by a new academy trust
Five Hampshire schools are to be run by a new academy trust – and will be given new names.
King’s Group Academies is set to take over the five schools currently run by the Gosport and Fareham Multiacademy Trust (GFM).
It means Bay House School and Sixth Form, Brune Park School, Gomer Junior School, Lord Wilson
School in Southampton and Rowner Junior School will be renamed.
A multi-academy trust is where a single trust is in charge of operating multiple education settings, directly funded by the Department for Education. A multiacademy trust is also independent from its local authority.
GFM announced that it will join King’s Group Academies, which currently operates nine schools including King’s Academy College Park in North
End and King’s Academy Northern Parade in Hilsea.
As a result of the move,
Bay House School and Brune Park will also see a change in uniform from September. There will be little change to the uniform at the two junior schools, Rowner and Gomer.
Concerns have been raised over the affordability of new blazers and ties for parents.
Interim CEO of the GFM, Geoff Walls, said: “We are very pleased to announce the cost of blazers for next year’s 8, 9 and 10 students will be fully funded by the King’s Group Academies (KGA).
“We will work with families to find a solution to any issues that may arise with the new uniform for children with sensory needs. As part of our commitment to sustainability, the blazers are carbon neutral and are made from 100 per cent recycled material.”
Nick Cross, CEO of KGA, said: “We share a similar ethos to the GFM. We believe in local identity and want our academies to serve their communities. We have begun working alongside staff at GFM, and growing a strong understanding of the local context.
“This will continue and bring significant experience and expertise to our wellestablished team. This collaborative approach will allow our schools to focus on what really matters: teaching, learning and curriculum.”
We believe in local identity and want our academies to serve their communities