Following extensive consideration, we are pleased to announce that our Governing Bodies have agreed to enter into discussions together, with a view to forming a “multi-academy trust”.
Both schools have thought long and hard before agreeing to this exciting next step.
We have chosen to work with one another as we share the same beliefs and values, and are passionate about the power of schools to transform lives. Whilst confident in our practice, we are reflective and humble, recognising that we must always do better for our children. We also believe that key to achieving this is looking after our staff, students, and their families too.
In coming together, we want to build upon the complementary strengths of the two organisations: Elstow School’s long track-record of care and success with younger children, and Bedford Free School’s growing expertise as a centre of academic excellence at the secondary phase.
Elstow and BFS are already great schools, and will be free to run themselves as they see fit. We are clear that both schools would retain their own distinct identities, and both would have their own Governing Body too.
By taking an “evolution, not revolution” approach, things will not change immediately when we officially come together. The intention is that over time we learn from one another, and through working together improve the quality of education for our students.
We consulted with our stakeholders and wider community between October 2016 and January 2017. More details about the consultation can be found in the documents below:
