The journey to becoming a MAT
Academy Status Update
12 September 2017
On 1 September 2017, Harton Technology College was granted Multi Academy Status by the DfE and will now be known as Harton Academy, part of The Illuminare Multi Academy Trust (MAT). This is a yet another exciting development in the history of our school.
We are delighted that Jarrow School will be joining The Illuminare Multi Academy Trust as soon as the DfE are able to confirm their Academy status. As time progresses, there will be more schools joining the MAT.
This change will enable our school to continue the collaborative work we currently enjoy with other schools, both at secondary and primary level. It will also offer a number of opportunities for the future including access to Government funds to further improve and develop facilities and continued innovation in teaching and learning through joint projects and shared training and development programmes.
Further information will be made available as the MAT develops.
17 May 2017
The process of conversion to Harton Academy within the Illuminare Multi Academy Trust continues. There has been a delay in the conversion date due to a number of small issues that are out of our control but all of which are currently being addressed. Our current date for conversion is September 2017. We are looking forward to starting a new academic year as an Academy within our own Multi Academy Trust. Exciting times lie ahead of us all as Harton Technology College continues to develop further.
Chris Braybrook
Deputy Head Teacher
15 March 2017
The current date that Harton is hoping to complete conversion to Academy status is 1 May 2017 however, as this is quite a detailed process, this date could realistically be put back a little further into the summer term. Jarrow School are hoping to convert by 1 July 2017. We are looking forward to starting the new academic year as ‘Harton Academy’ which will be part of ‘The Illuminare Multi Academy Trust’.
We will keep you updated as more information is available.
Chris Braybrook
Deputy Head Teacher
16 December 2016
The school received confirmation last night from the Department for Education that Harton’s bid to become an Academy and set up a Multi Academy Trust, initially with Jarrow School, had been accepted. Further information will follow in the New Year.
Sir Ken Gibson
Executive Head Teacher
23 November 2016
To whom it may concern
Academy Consultation letter Nov 2016
Thank you for your interest and feedback in response to Harton Technology College’s consultation proposals to become an Academy.
I wish to update you on the progress of the conversion.
I would like to confirm that the Governing Body has taken the decision to progress with the submission of an application to become an Academy and form a Multi Academy Trust at a meeting on 14 July 2016.
In taking the decision to become an Academy, the Governing Body is keen to ensure that a structure is developed that enables each school to deliver high quality and effective teaching and learning and we wholeheartedly believe that this is the right way forward. The learning experience and opportunities our children receive will always be our highest priority, and we would not be progressing with an Academy application if we did not believe it would deliver the high outcomes we strive to achieve.
Our current position is that we hope to convert in April 2017 as a Multi Academy Trust and have commenced discussions with a number of schools who wish to join the Trust. Within South Tyneside Local Authority, this includes Jarrow School and Boldon School. The outcomes of those discussions will be based upon the usual process of due diligence. We are keeping all interested parties informed via a news update on our website.
Yours sincerely,
Mr Scott Duffy
Chair of Governors
10 October 2016
A lot of progress has been made over recent weeks as we work towards the conversion of our school to Academy status and as lead school for a Multi Academy Trust.
Sir Ken has appointed the consultancy company AVEC to take the school through the MAT process to ensure that all aspects of the conversion are completed to the highest possible standard and with as little disruption as possible to pupils, staff, parents and members of the local community.
It is anticipated that the documentation will be submitted to commence the process formally by half term and a conversion date for Harton should be approximately March 2017.
There are a number of schools that are very interested in joining Harton as part of the Academy Trust. More information will be issued as these relationships are secured over the next few weeks. It is anticipated that approximately 5 schools will form the MAT in the first instance, 4 Secondary Schools and 1 Primary Schools.
The Members Board is starting to take shape with a number of high profile people with appropriate educational, business, financial or legal backgrounds committing to become a part of the Trust.
The Trustees Board is also currently under development, this level of management will reflect the range of schools that will be involved in the Trust.
At this early stage, it is clear to say that the vision for the MAT is one of mutual trust and advantage, schools working collaboratively to bring the best possible outcomes for all involved.
There will be relationships with schools that form beyond South Tyneside. This offers everyone involved further opportunities to develop the wonderful achievements already visible from the work carried out by the Teaching School and by School to School support. This is an exciting time for everyone involved and as more information becomes available, it will be made public.
18 July 2016
After careful consideration of all feedback received during the latest round of consultation, the Governing Body passed the decision to progress the application for Harton Technology College to become an Academy and to set up a Multi Academy Trust. This was not an easy decision and was not taken lightly. As yet, there are no set timelines, however it will happen within the next academic year.
Regular updates will be issued on the progress of the application and we hope to work with as many people as possible to ensure the success of this exciting new venture for all members of the community at Harton Technology College.