Uphill Village Academy, formerly Uphill Primary School, joined the CLF in October 2020. Principal Sam Hodder said:
“We decided to join a Multi Academy Trust because we wanted to continue our journey from securely good to excellent and we needed a partner who would support and challenge us to do that. Local authority resources were stretched and it was clear we wanted more than they could offer us. We researched and met with a number of local Multi Academy Trusts to see what each had to offer.
“As one of the most established trusts offering continuous education from 3-19 years, CLF were used to embracing individual and like-minded schools, such as ours. It was
clear from the outset that they not only aligned to our values but were educationally at the forefront of current research and practice. We particularly liked the way their academies were central in the curation of the curriculum; creating documents that would be shared and used by all while still encouraging each academy to pursue and retain its own individual identity. Autonomy was very important to us and something that was evidenced when we visited many of the academies across the trust.
“One year on and I can honestly say it has been the best move we could have made. Best for our children and families, our staff and our local community. The central services team provide expert and timely support meaning that as a Principal I have more time to concentrate and focus on what really matters; delivering a first-class education and building a cohesive school community.
“Looking to the future, we are jointly planning the path ahead and it is evident after just a year, that the support and collaboration remains strong and we are on our way to achieving excellence.”
