Arnold School has joined UCST's family of ten independent schools
Arnold School has officially joined the United Church Schools Trust (UCST) in a move that will ensure growth and secure the school’s position as a leading force for independent education in the North West.
UCST runs a collegiate group of ten schools across the country including Guildford High School, Ashford School, Lincoln Minster School and Hull Collegiate. Its subsidiary charity, the United Learning Trust, is the largest operator of city academies in the country. Both sets of schools and academies collaborate with each other to pursue best practice, develop curriculum and provide national access to training and development for staff. Lord Carey, Former Archbishop of Canterbury, chairs the Trust.
UCST will work with the management of Arnold School and will invest £3m into the school within the next three years. The School’s name, structure, uniform, curriculum and academic focus will remain the same.
The Principal, Mr Barry Hughes said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for Arnold School to grow and expand its influence. In 2007 our academic achievements were the best ever, we have a thriving school community and, by joining UCST, these things will be enhanced.
“We have examined a number of options to meet the pressures that all schools in the independent sector face; in particular a decreasing population and pressures to prove their public benefit in order to retain their charitable status. By joining the UCST family, we would be able to have the continuity of all that is best about Arnold School whilst benefiting from membership of a very strong group of schools.”
Sir Ewan Harper, Chief Executive of the United Church Schools Trust, said:
“Arnold School has built up a strong reputation for providing high quality education and would be a very welcome addition to our family of schools and academies.
Both Arnold School and UCST have a proud heritage and, in joining together, hold the prospect of an outstanding future."
