Both Schools Join Forward-Thinking Maltby Learning Trust

The Sheffield office of law firm Irwin Mitchell has advised on the conversion of Maltby Lilly Hall Primary School and Ravenfield Primary School into becoming Academies.

As part of their conversion on 1 March 2015, both schools have also joined the Maltby Learning Trust (MLT).

Formed in February 2014, MLT is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) which is already made up of Maltby Academy, Maltby Redwood Academy and Maltby Manor Academy.

David Sutton, Executive Principal at Maltby Learning Trust, said:

"Our vision is to provide high quality education and deliver the best possible outcomes for children and young people. We provide outstanding provision for families firmly rooted in the context of the local community. We seek to support lifelong learning, and provide excellence in teaching through high expectations and a return to traditional values and standards. This is an exciting time in our development as we continue to expand our group of schools and to have further impact upon the lives of young people."

Mark Evans from Irwin Mitchell, along with Graham Walker from the firm’s real estate team and Peter Turk from the firm’s corporate and commercial team, worked on the latest project. Last year it advised on Maltby Academy’s conversion to become a Multi-Academy Trust with the joining of Maltby Redwood Junior and Infant School and the subsequent joining of Maltby Manor Primary School.

Expert Opinion

Both schools are joining a forward-thinking MAT which is determined to ensure its schools all work together in order to support the common goal of improving teaching and learning across Maltby and the surrounding areas. This latest conversion is a significant development for Maltby Learning Trust and a very positive move for both schools.” Mark Evans - Associate

Academies are publicly funded schools, which are not controlled by the Local Authority and therefore have additional independence in a number of areas. A Multi-Academy Trust is where two or more schools convert to academy status together. It operates with a single academy board in order to provide the strategic leadership and oversight of all schools.