An academy trust set up by a former government minister has announced that both its schools will join another academy trust.
Floreat Education Academies Trust was founded by James O'Shaughnessy, a former 10 Downing Street aide to David Cameron who later became a health minister in the House of Lords.
Floreat, which places a high value on character education, had previously looked at merging with another trust in 2016, because of the financial challenges of running a small academy trust of primary schools.
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Last year, it announced the closure of one of its free schools, Floreat Brentford Primary School, which opened in West London in 2015. At the time, it blamed financial difficulties, and problems finding a site.
Today, it announced that, subject to legal process, its two remaining schools – Floreat Wandsworth, in London, and Floreat Montague Park, in Wokingham – will join GLF Schools in September 2019.
The proposal comes at a time when regional schools commissioners are increasingly asking multi-academy trusts whether they plan to merge with other trusts in the future.
A spokesperson for Floreat said its parent charity would not be wound up, and would instead “use its remaining resources to support the schools as they grow to full capacity”.
They added: “This funding will largely focus on developing Floreat’s unique 'knowledge plus character' curriculum, as well as supporting other educational priorities that the schools identify.”
Janet Hilary, chief executive of Floreat, said: “GLF understand and respect Floreat’s educational approach, so this is great news for parents, pupils and staff.
“Floreat Wandsworth and Floreat Montague Park will retain their names and identities, but more importantly will continue to deliver the unique ‘character plus knowledge’ education, which children, parents and staff value so highly.”
According to the DfE website, GLF currently has 32 academies.
Jon Chaloner, chief executive of GLF, said: “Fundamental to our ethos is the desire to see our children flourish and being a part of GLF allows each child the opportunity to experience the best in teaching and leadership.
“Our trust has a proven track record and we make a positive difference to all our pupils, irrespective of their background or location. We look forward to working with both schools and to ensuring their children and staff grow, learn and flourish with us.”
