We started the route to federation between Catmose College and Primary nearly three years ago and we now know that both schools have benefited from this relationship. Mrs Jackson’s expertise in early years education has helped support Catmose Nursery to offer amongst the best EYFS provision locally. The College has also begun the process of modifying its key stage three curriculum to support the transition of students from primary to secondary, a direct result of our working together. The employment of a teacher at the Primary who is qualified to teach dance was only possible because of the federation, as she will also deliver GCSE dance to College students allowing us to share costs between the two schools. It was therefore a natural step for the governors of Catmose Primary and Catmose College to agree to the creation of a single academy trust, Catmose Federation, to oversee the work of both schools and ensure the Federation is best placed to ensure the continued success of both schools whilst preserving their own ethos and vision. The single greatest test of the Federation is when the children from Catmose Primary join us at the College; it was particularly noticeable how relaxed and ready the year 6 children were for the move to the College. This was to such an extent that staff at the College thought they were year 7 on their induction day and asked them to help the children from the other primary schools! We are not complacent however and our ultimate goal is to secure an outstanding provision that is recognised locally and nationally as the best possible provision for primary education. This plan is a critical part of our development process which will help us to achieve this objective.
Stuart Williams Principal
4