From September 2015 Acorns Primary and Shipston-on-Stour Primary (Stour Federation) have been working in closer collaboration with one of our neighbouring schools, Brailes C of E Primary School. 

We have had a very positive experience since federating with Shipston-on-Stour Primary in 2011. The move to work with Shipston Primary continues to bring benefits to pupils in both Long Compton, Shipston and surrounding villages, at a time when rural schools are being put under increasing financial pressure. 

By working together we have been able to strengthen our leadership team and build capacity, having an Associate Head at each school but overseen by Christian Hilton as Executive Headteacher; save money by achieving economies of scale and, most importantly, raise standards for our children, who have benefited from shared expertise and specialist education provision and resources across both schools.

An opportunity arose in April 2015 to work with Brailes C of E Primary School, commencing in September 2015.  Brailes has been rated by Ofsted as Good.

Brailes cannot officially join our Federation as maintained schools and academies are not permitted to federate.  In addition, they would have to convert to academy status to join our multi-academy trust, which requires more detailed consideration.  Therefore we have formed a collaborative partnership with Brailes C of E Primary School, with Brailes retaining a separate governing body and receiving support from the Diocese and Local Authority.   Brailes, Shipston and Acorns are led by Christian Hilton as Executive Headteacher, who will work across all three schools. Mr. Hilton is based at Shipston three days a week, and one day a week each at Acorns and Brailes.  While Mr. Hilton will spend half a day less at Acorns and Shipston, each school will have a dedicated Associate Headteacher. For Acorns this will be Mrs. Young, for Shipston Mr. Roberts and for Brailes Mrs. Childs.  Brailes will reimburse Acorns and Shipston for Mr. Hilton’s and Mrs. Childs’ time.

Our Federated Board of Trustees has been rigorous in its scrutiny of such a partnership. Any change has to be in the interests of Acorns and Shpston pupils and having explored this fully, the board felt that the partnership bring benefits to all three schools. 

Each school continues to retain its own separate identity, uniform and admissions policy. However, behind the scenes we will all work towards the common goal of raising standards together, and as we share expertise, leadership and resources we hope you will notice a difference for the better.

Shipston-on-Stour Primary School - www.shipston.warwickshire.sch.uk

Brailes Church of England Primary School - www.brailescofeprimary.org.uk

Federated Governing Board (responsible for Acorns Primary and Shipston Primary)

The Clerk is Lisa Mansell and may be contacted via the school.

There are 0 employees whose total benefits exceeded £100,000.