The Cabot Learning Federation will expand into two new areas this year, after five further schools secured Department for Education approval to join the trust.
Traditionally, the CLF has run its 22 schools in three distinct clusters operating in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
However, this will change to a five-cluster model after five additional schools were given a formal green light to become part of the trust.
Tewkesbury School will become the founding academy of a fourth cluster area in Gloucestershire when it joins the CLF on July 1.
The fifth cluster area will be in Somerset, and will see Heathfield Community School in Taunton join this autumn.
In addition, three schools from the Learn@ MAT will also join when that group is disbanded this summer. The Sky Academy in Taunton, Brook Academy in Gloucestershire and Lansdown Park Academy in Bristol will all become part of the CLF on August 1.
All three of these schools offer specialist or alternative provision, and will help to reinforce the CLF’s long-term focus on overcoming disadvantage.
CLF CEO Steve Taylor said: “The DfE has been encouraging the CLF to grow in our region for some time, and now it is starting to become a reality.
“The move towards a five-cluster model is exciting for everyone involved and will help us to build on the fantastic work which already takes place across our schools by opening the door to new collaboration and expertise.
“These five schools’ ethos of investing in people, building community partnerships and providing truly equitable opportunities for all pupils is firmly in line with our own values and ambitions.
“However, our growth will not end here. Over the coming weeks and months we will take the opportunity to further grow and improve, while holding close to the values and commitments we make through our HEART values and our CLF Strategy 2030, Equity Through Education.”
