Steiner Academy to move to new multi-academy trust

STEINER Academy in Frome is to transfer to the Avanti Schools Trust.

The move to the multi-academy trust by all three Steiner Academies in Frome, Bristol and Exeter, is expected to take place in the autumn.

The news comes after a period of uncertainty for the school when it was  placed into ‘Special Measures’ after it was rated as ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in January after an inspection carried out in November last year.

Areas of concern highlighted during the inspection included:  the unsafe nature, insufficient progress for those with special educational needs, high number of exclusions and no senior authority. 

A letter to parents from the academy said, “We are delighted that there is now a clear direction for the future of the schools, building on Avanti’s successful approach to school improvement, whilst building upon the principles on which these schools were originally founded.

“The next phase will include a listening period with parents and staff, led by the Avanti team. We are sure that there are many questions, but hope that this decision allows us to begin the next phase, moving forward as a group of schools, together. 

“It is important to note that the school improvement plans that each academy has been working towards, to respond to the Ofsted findings, remain in place, and will continue to be the focus for staff and teachers at all of the academies.

“We are grateful to Avanti for their commitment to our schools and are clear that it offers a great opportunity for renewal; to continue to improve the quality of education for the children; and to carry forward the contemporary and authentic vision at the heart of our schools.”