A SECONDARY school has announced that it has become an academy. 

De La Salle St Helens has joined the Laetare Catholic Multi-Academy Trust (Laetare CMAT).

The Eccleston-based school has said the move marks "an exciting new chapter" and "reflects the school’s commitment to providing an outstanding, faith-based education and offering new opportunities for both students and staff".

De La Salle head teacher Andrew Rannard says joining the Trust will enable the school "to further enrich the experience" for students and strengthen its "commitment to providing an education that nurtures their academic, spiritual, and personal development".

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The school says the Laetare family of Religious Order schools "shares De La Salle’s core values of faith, academic excellence, and community".

It adds that "with a focus on delivering high-quality education rooted in Catholic teachings", the Trust provides "a strong foundation" for collaboration and growth.

The school said joining Laetare CMAT, will "enhance its educational offerings" and enable the school to benefit from shared resources, and contribute to a wider network of schools working together to serve young people.

Move will 'further enrich students' experience'

“We are thrilled to be joining the Laetare Catholic Multi-Academy Trust,” said Mr Rannard.

“This partnership will enable us to further enrich the experience of our students and strengthen our commitment to providing an education that nurtures their academic, spiritual, and personal development.

"Together with the Trust, we are excited to embrace new opportunities and continue our journey of growth.”

As part of the Laetare Catholic Multi-Academy Trust, De La Salle School will have access to "a wide range of collaborative opportunities, professional development for staff, and shared resources".

The school says that the Trust’s ethos of faith, inclusion, and excellence is "a natural fit for De La Salle, which has long been dedicated to providing a holistic education based on the values of love, respect, and compassion".

Br Sean Sellors, De La Salle community leader; Elliot, head boy; Beth, head girl; Andy Rannard, head teacher; Samantha Murray, chair of governors and Andy Bridson, Laetare CMAT CEOBr Sean Sellors, De La Salle community leader; Elliot, head boy; Beth, head girl; Andy Rannard, head teacher; Samantha Murray, chair of governors and Andy Bridson, Laetare CMAT CEO (Image: De La Salle School)

It adds that the move aligns with De La Salle’s "strategic vision for the future and ensures the school will continue to provide a nurturing environment where all students can thrive", and this partnership "promises to bring exciting new initiatives, ensuring that the school remains at the forefront of education in the area".

The school says that the transition means that De La Salle "will continue to uphold its strong Lasallian identity while benefiting from the enhanced support and resources available through the Trust" and that the focus on faith, personal development, and community "will remain central" to the school’s mission.

 “We look forward to this new chapter and the many possibilities it will bring,” added Samantha Murray, chair of governors.

“We are proud of our strong De La Salle community and excited to work with the Trust to provide the very best education for our students.”

De La Salle School, on Mill Brow, EcclestonDe La Salle School, on Mill Brow, Eccleston (Image: Google Street View)

De La Salle School is a Catholic secondary school located in Eccleston, which is under the Trusteeship of the De La Salle Brothers.

The Laetare Catholic Multi-Academy Trust is a new family of Religious Order schools. The Trust says it is "committed to delivering high-quality education within the framework of Catholic values and dedicated to fostering academic excellence, personal growth, and a deep sense of community and faith across all its schools".

 

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