Lakeside is the latest school in York to convert to academy status and join Ebor Academy Trust.
Children came back to school after the Easter holidays to new signage as it became Ebor’s 16th academy on 1 April. All pupils were presented with a poetry book and a commemorative bookmark.
Headteacher Debbie Cousins said: “Ebor has strength and expertise that will benefit both the children and our staff – we are delighted to be part of this forward-thinking organisation. An exciting new chapter in Lakeside’s history has begun.”
Children and parents of Lakeside Primary Academy, as it is now known, will see little difference on a day-to-day basis, but behind the scenes, there will be a range of benefits. A central team will run many of the back office business functions and Mrs Cousins will remain in control.
“When governors choose to convert Lakeside we had the best interests of our children at heart,” chair of governors Mikhaila Stanley explained. “We wanted to secure the future of the school with a stable organisation that not only shared our ethos and values but firmly believe in putting the children first. I am thrilled that we are now part of the Ebor family of schools.”
Ebor now comprises 16 schools with five more due to join by the start of the new academic year in September. In York, with Lakeside, Ebor consists of Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy, Haxby Road Primary Academy and Park Grove Primary Academy. Hob Moor will be the next to join, in May, with Osbaldwick to follow in July.
There are other schools operated by Ebor in Selby, the East Riding and The Humber and on the Yorkshire Coast.
Ebor’s chief executive, Richard Ludlow, said: “We welcome Lakeside and look forward to working alongside them. We are a collaborative trust, sharing best practice to ensure the best outcomes for our children and providing developmental opportunities for staff.
“We consist of small village schools, large urban schools, schools in challenging circumstances and those which have the capacity to support others. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual setting and share skills and resources, where appropriate, across our group. Staff at schools in Ebor Academy Trust have a sense of responsibility for each other, building caring, strong professional relationships.”
