A YORK primary is the latest in the city to take the plunge and convert to academy status.

Osbaldwick has joined York-based Ebor Academy Trust, after waiting their turn for a year.

Head teacher Lesley Barringer said: “We are delighted to be part of this forward-thinking organisation and together we have great plans for the future. Already, through Ebor, we are working with Early Excellence, a national organisation and have a centre of excellence for early years teaching.”

Children and parents of Osbaldwick 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 Miss Barringer will remain in control.

“We are very excited to be working with a multi-academy trust which has a proven track record in improving educational outcomes for children,” said Becki Dean, chair of governors.

Ebor now comprises 19 schools with three more due to join at the start of the new academic year in September. In York, with Osbaldwick, Ebor consists of Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy, Haxby Road Primary Academy, Park Grove Primary Academy, Lakeside Primary Academy, Hob Moor Community Primary Academy and Hob Moor Oaks.

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 Osbaldwick and look forward to working alongside them. We are a collaborative trust, sharing best practice to put children at the heart of everything we do and providing developmental opportunities for staff. We consist of small village schools, large urban schools, schools in challenging circumstances and those which have 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.”