Scampton Church of England Primary School
Considering our Future
Welcome from the Governors
A great deal has been discussed over the last few years about the future of schools. In the constantly evolving educational world, more and more schools are thinking about becoming an academy and joining a multi-academy trust (MAT).
Our school governors have been watching the impact of this shift closely and digesting what it means for Barton St Peter’s and our community.
As a voluntary controlled school, we have a tendency to work independently on the day-to-day running of many aspects of school life. This does bring potential challenges for the future, particularly when local authorities across the country are having significant funding issues and there is a declining national birth rate.
We also recognise there are many advantages to being part of a wider network of schools, such as access to teaching and learning expertise, further enrichment opportunities, and support with many of the operational aspects of running a school.
Whilst it is not a statutory requirement to join a MAT, we believe it is right for us, as the school governors, to look at all our options. This is particularly pertinent following the Government's 2026 Education White Paper, which highlights an ambition for all schools to join or form trusts, working in collaboration with one another to maximise their long-term sustainability.
As a result, we have been exploring with a range of MATs what being part of their family of schools would mean for Scampton Church of England Primary School's children, families and staff.
During these discussions, it has become clear that there is a local trust whose values, approach, and aspiration to get the very best for each and every child mirrors how we work at our school – Infinity Academies Trust. This is a family of schools working together across Greater Lincolnshire.
For this reason, we are launching a listening period to gather your views on the opportunity to join Infinity Academies Trust.
This is not a decision that has been taken lightly. We have only considered this as we believe that we have found a Trust that shares our ambition, has the capacity to ensure that we continue to thrive, and also respects and celebrates our individuality.
We want to fully understand the views of our community before proceeding, and we look forward to working with you as we progress on this important piece of work for our school.
Why Now?
The Government's 2026 White Paper 'Every Child Achieving and Thriving', sets out the Government's ambition for all schools to join or form trusts, working in collaboration with one another to maximise their long-term sustainability.
84% of secondary schools are now academies - and around 48% of primaries have also made the decision to convert. This number is expected to continue to rise significantly over the coming years.
This is not only changing the nature of our existing support from organisations like the Local Authority, but the Diocese of Lincoln has also provided guidance on what this means for Church of England schools in the Diocese. The direction of travel is that all CofE primaries should join a Diocesan Trust. This has further shaped our thinking and encouraged us to be proactive in taking important decisions for our school.
In addition, we think there are other benefits that include:
Working with other like-minded schools across Greater Lincolnshire
Access to school improvement expertise and support
Opportunities to collaborate to broaden our knowledge base of what works best for the children we are educating
A dedicated central team to provide support with HR, Estates, Finance, IT and Operations
A commitment to ensuring that we retain our school's identity, while welcoming us into the Infinity Academies family
Infinity Academies Trust
After a great deal of time and deliberation, Governors think that a Trust called Infinity Academies Trust is the right option for our school and our community.
This is not a decision we can, or want, to make in isolation though - which is why we want your views.
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