A Leeds primary school is set to become part of an academy trust after an agreement was reached with the city council.
Cobden Primary School in Farnley will join Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust (MAT) following approval of a Commercial Transfer Agreement (CTA) by Leeds City Council.
The agreement will allow the transfer of the school’s staff, property and contracts from the council and governing body to the academy trust. According to a council report, the transfer is expected to take place from September this year.
The report stated: “The local authority has a duty to promote high standards and champion educational excellence. 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 move comes after education watchdog Ofsted previously rated Cobden Primary School as “requires improvement”. Its latest inspection noted that the school had already been working with Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust to strengthen standards.
The report said: “The trust provides leaders with helpful opportunities for collaboration and challenge. Governors are building on recent improvements by making focused monitoring visits to the school. Leaders are determined and ambitious to continue to improve pupils’ experiences in school.”
Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust currently runs several primary schools across Leeds, including in Pudsey, Morley and Armley.
On its website, the trust says it is “a group of primary schools in Leeds with a genuine desire to provide excellent education and great outcomes for all pupils.”
