By Don Mort, local democracy reporting service
A primary school is set to become part of a west Leeds-based chain of academies.
Fountain Primary in Morley will become part of the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) from next month.
Leeds City Council reached a Commercial Transfer Agreement (CTA) with the Pudsey-based trust over the future of the primary.
A council report said the transfer would help pupils at the primary realise their educational potential.
It said: “The local authority has a duty to promote high standards and champion educational excellence.”
The CTA agreement allows for the formal transfer of the school to Owlcotes MAT, which is based at Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School.
The staff team at Fountain is led by headteacher Emma Walker.
“We are happy to be joining the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust,” said Mrs Walker. “We are looking forward to being part of a collaborative community of schools. Owlcotes’ partnership offer, and commitment to preserving the unique identity of our school, was a huge attraction to us and we are excited about the future as part of a multi-academy trust”.
Lesley West, CEO of the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust, added: “Fountain Primary School is a great school which goes above and beyond to achieve the best for its pupils and the school community. We are excited to welcome them to the Owlcotes family and Fountain will be a valuable addition to our partnership of schools.”
A council report added: “The CTA deals with the transfer of the assets, staff, and contracts from the council and the governing body to the new academy trust.
“The academy conversion will take place on April 1.”
Fountain Primary is the latest school to become part of Owlcotes MAT after Morley Victoria Primary School joined last September. It is the eighth primary school to join the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust, joining Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School, Pudsey Waterloo Primary School, Calverley Parkside Primary School, Armley Park Primary School, Manor Wood Primary School, Spring Bank Primary School and Morley Victoria.