CHURCH of England and Catholic schools on the Isle of Wight could be brought together into a single academies trust. 


In response to government plans to convert schools into academies, the CE and Catholic Bishops of Portsmouth have agreed to a feasibility study to see if a joint Anglican and Catholic trust could be established to improve school standards.

It would be the Island's first religious academies trust.

Education staff in both dioceses will consider between now and May the potential benefits and challenges to such a proposal, which would require approval from the Department for Education and regional schools commissioner.

Any new trust would be run by trustees and a company, and all schools involved would become academies.

Community schools could also join, and would not have to become religious academies.

The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth had already said it expects its four Catholic schools on the Island to join a multi-academy trust. 

In a statement issued today (Tuesday), Catholic and CE Bishops the Rt Rev Philip Egan Rt Rev Christopher Foster said: "Our commitment as diocesan bishops to taking a lead in advancing the spiritual, economic, social and wider flourishing of communities on the Island continues, and we are acutely aware that this is demonstrably evidenced in our support for schools and all they can bring to families and society. 

"As part of our considerations as to how we might best work with schools in achieving the best outcomes for our children on the Island, we have decided to commission a feasibility study on the potential establishment of a joint Anglican-Catholic multi-academy trust (MAT). 

"This is not a signal of intent to definitely set up a MAT, but is an initial exploration of the options, challenges, opportunities and issues that need further consideration." 

The director of education for Portsmouth and Winchester’s CE dioceses Jeff Williams said: "We have already set up the Portsmouth and Winchester Multi-Academy Trust, but it is hard for Island schools to receive support from this trust because of the distances involved. 

"This emphatically would not involve the creation of some church school 'enclave’, as seen by our willingness to involve community schools. 

"But this eight-week research project should give us an idea whether there is the appetite and practical support for this plan in the schools, the local community, and in government." 

Anyone who has any views about the proposals can email them to IslandMAT@portsmouth.anglican.org