ACADEMY CONSULTATION

All the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Lancaster have been invited by our bishop, Rev Paul Swarbrick to consider converting to an academy and join a Catholic Multi Academy Trust (MAT).

There are 3 MATs in the diocese (which stretches from Preston to the Scottish Borders). Our MAT will be the Blessed Edward Bamber Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Bishop Paul has requested everyone to join one of the MATs by 2026.

The Governors of St. John’s Catholic Primary School feel that this is an exciting opportunity and are considering converting to an academy. This process will take place in readiness for a potential spring 2026 conversion.

As part of the conversion process the Governors will consult all school stakeholders, which includes:

· Parents

· Staff members

· Lancashire County Council

· Trade unions

· Parish

The consultation period commences on Wednesday 13th November and finishes on Wednesday 11th December at 3pm.

Please see the additional information below. This includes a letter outlining the process and a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). 

The views of all stakeholders are important to us and will help to inform the final decision which will be made by governors. Any questions or feedback can be sent to consultation@poulton-st-johns.lancs.sch.uk

Following the close of the consultation period the Governing Board of St. Johns’ Catholic Primary School will consider all the responses received and make a final decision as to whether they wish to start the academisation conversion process. We will keep stakeholders updated of the Governors’ decision and next steps.