A Brighton primary school plans to become an academy and join a trust that already runs two other local primaries – Hangleton and Benfield.
The head of Woodingdean Primary School and the two co-chairs of governors have written to parents today (Monday 9 June) to set out their plans.
The letter marks the start of a consultation on a proposal to join the Eko Trust which currently runs eight primary schools and two special schools, all rated good or outstanding by the official watchdog Ofsted.
Four consultation meetings are due to take place next week – at 2pm and 6pm on Thursday 19 June and at 9am and 2pm on Friday 20 June. The 6pm meeting is due to be held and the others at the school.
The school said: “Governors and leaders of Woodingdean Primary School have today opened a consultation on plans to join one of England’s leading academy trusts so it can provide its pupils with an even higher quality of education.
“Woodingdean Primary is already recognised as a successful school, rated good by Ofsted twice in a row thanks to the high quality of education it gives children, the excellence of the staff and the high aspirations it sets.
“It is because of this ambition that, over the last two years, governors have been considering a number of options to see which will best enable them to do even more for pupils and to drive even higher the standard of education it provides.
“Following this rigorous process, including the establishment of a dedicated governor working party which has carried out in-depth research and analysis, governors and the head teacher have concluded that joining an academy trust that has the same values and vision is the best route to success.
“The trust they have selected is Eko Trust, which currently has 10 primary schools, including two in Brighton and Hove which joined last year, Hangleton and Benfield.
“Eko is a strong, successful and financially secure trust which has a long-standing history of successful collaborative working with its schools.
“The results of its pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND learners, are among the best in the country, while three schools are rated outstanding by Ofsted.
“Governors also considered remaining with the local authority as a standalone school or federating with other local authority schools in Brighton and Hove.
“Woodingdean Primary School leaders decided that its team will benefit most by accessing the wider resources and expertise that Eko provides, collaborating with its other schools, including in Brighton and Hove.
“They say this will mean the school will move to the next level and achieve even stronger outcomes for pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND learners.
“If Woodindgean Primary does join Eko, however, it would still retain its distinct character, traditions and culture, unique to the community it serves. It would remain a state school and retain the same school name and uniform.
“The consultation will run until Friday 4 July. More information can be found at https://www.woodingdean.brighton-hove.sch.uk.
“Following the consultation, Eko and Woodingdean Primary will consider seeking approval from the Department for Education for the proposal to transfer to academy status and join Eko.
“If that is achieved, Woodingdean Primary would be in line to join Eko Trust in February 2026.”
Woodingdean head Gemma Chumnansin said: “We are driven by one priority above all others – that we provide our pupils with the best education and care we possibly can. And we are proud of our success to date.
“It is that same determination to keep improving that has driven this proposal – so that our pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds and SEND learners, achieve even stronger outcomes.
“After a rigorous two-year process, we are clear that joining a strong and successful academy trust that has the same values as us, which has a track record of collaboration and close working with its schools, and whose schools give their pupils the best chance to fulfil their potential, is the right next step for Woodingdean Primary School.
“Eko Trust is a great match and a great organisation and we are excited at what we can achieve together while remaining an integral part of the Brighton and Hove education system.
“We hope our parents, pupils and staff share our excitement. We value their views and are looking forward to hearing from them during the consultation.”
The school’s co-chair of governors Darren Arbon said: “We value the partnership we have with the local authority and are grateful for the support they have given.
“We think that, now, so that we keep moving forward and so that our pupils get an even stronger education, Woodingdean Primary School’s future should be with Eko Trust.
“It offers even greater opportunities for our pupils and staff while allowing us to stay true to the unique qualities that make our school so special.
“Eko has a well-deserved reputation as one of the best state education providers in the country and it has already had a strong positive impact at the two Brighton schools that joined it last year.
“We would like our pupils and staff to have the same opportunity to benefit from what joining Eko will bring.”
Eko Trist chief executive Rebekah Iiyambo said: “Woodingdean Primary School is a fabulous school and we are honoured that its governors and head teacher have recommended that it joins the Eko family to take it to the next level.
“We share their commitment to ensuring all children have the best chance to reach their full potential – and the school, teachers, parents and above all pupils would be a wonderful addition to our trust.
“Eko already has the privilege of working in Brighton and Hove with two superb primary schools and we would be delighted if Woodingdean Primary School decided to make it three.”
The timing of this announcement 2 days before the Chancellor’s spending review speech surely can’t be coincidental (where it’s rumoured education spending will be overlooked in favour of some other areas).
Despite all of Labour’s words about opposing academisation it seems that local schools have zero confidence that that there are alternative options available to them which means they can thrive and access the resources they need without turning to academy trusts for what they need. Investing in education should be a basic, and it’s sorry to see schools still feeling forced down the academy route.
How lovely to see that Longhill are supporting Woodingdean!
So being in a pot owned by a trust will do what exactly, just allow them to sell off assets so furture generations have less playing field area or similar actions that being in a trust will bring.
How much rent is this trust going to pay for the premises? This is publicly owned property and a commercial rent on fully repairing lease should be forthcoming. Come on BHCC get a grip.