Fir Tree first primary to gain acadamy status

Trinity School is sponsoring the primary school, as most of its pupils go on to attend Trinity, to strengthen links between the two schools.
The academy status was granted on March 1.
Fir Tree is the first primary school in the district to be granted the status, joining five secondary schools; Denefield School in Tilehurst, Kennet School in Thatcham and Park House, Trinity and St Bartholomew’s School, all in Newbury.
Trinity School headteacher, Charlotte Wilson, said: “I am delighted that Fir Tree Primary School has joined the Newbury Academy Trust family.
“We wanted to sponsor Fir Tree because it’s one of the main feeder primary schools, we have very close links with it already and it helps us build stronger links.
“The relationship between the two schools is very strong and there are many areas where being part of the same academy trust will bring benefits.
“Working together, I know that the schools will continue to go from strength to strength and build on the excellent summer results of last year.”
Headteacher at Fir Tree School, Gaynor Zimmerman, added: “We are extremely excited to be part of the trust.
“The children at Fir Tree feel a sense of belonging to the Newbury Academy Trust, and have worked with Trinity School students to develop that sense of identity and ethos.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the communities of both schools.”