This week saw a historic moment in the life of the Thomas Adams School. On Monday 2nd March, it converted to academy status and merged with The Priory School Trust. We are now the fourth school to join the trust. Being part of a Multi Academy Trust will enable the school to share and receive best practice and enhance the education provision for its students. Jo Hickson, Chair of Governors, added “this is a brilliant opportunity for the school, moving forward”.
The ethos and vision of the Trust strongly align with those of Thomas Adams. It is a charitable trust based at The Priory School in Shrewsbury. With clear expectations that all of its students work hard, are interesting people and make good choices. The trust wants for all students to have choices when they leave school. Students who are ready and willing to contribute to society.
In addition to Thomas Adams and The Priory School, there are two further schools in the Trust: St Martins School (3-16, St Martins, Nr Oswestry) and Coleham School (4-11, Shrewsbury). It is anticipated the trust will grow further over the coming twelve months.
The latest Ofsted reports for Thomas Adams, including its Sixth Form, were rated Good. The Boarding House provision also received a Good rating in every category.
Mark Cooper, Head Teacher at Thomas Adams said “Our responsibility to students, staff, parents/carers and the local community is of the highest priority. We are keen to ensure we retain our own identity, whilst being part of a cohesive and mutually supportive group of schools”.
Michael Barratt, Executive Principal of The Priory School Trust said “this is an exciting development for our students already in the Trust and for those at Thomas Adams. By joining the Trust, the Thomas Adams students will continue to receive high quality teaching but will also benefit from being part of a wider network. Mainly through the Teaching School Alliance which operates from The Priory School, we have already worked closely and extensively with staff at Thomas Adams, and the expectations, ethos and values are the same as those in the Trust”.
Gary Turner, Chair of The Priory School Trust, added “I am delighted that Thomas Adams has taken the decision to join our Trust and am confident that this will be for the benefit of all students and staff within all our academy schools”.
