Castle Community College has this week taken a closer step towards securing a sponsor that must help lift it out of special measures and keep the school moving forwards.

Monday’s announcement confirms that approval has been given that will allow the SchoolsCompany Trust to become sponsor.

The news was received last Wednesday when the Department for Education, wrote to the school confirming that the regional schools commissioner, Dominic Herrington, had given the plans the thumbs up.

It follows on from December when SchoolsCompany Trust was named the preferred option by the DfE, the governors and the Multi Academy Trust.

“This is the start of the next stage in our journey to success” - John Baker, chairman of governors

John Baker, chairman of governors at Castle, said: “This is the start of the next stage in our journey to success.”

He added: “Consistency has been an important factor for us and I hope that you will join me in congratulating SchoolsCompany Trust in this approval.

“I am looking forward to formally working together with our new sponsor and to seeing the school regain its rightful place in the community as the local school of choice.”

A TUPE Consultation will be held seeking to protect the jobs of staff during the transition between both employers.

Elias Achilleos, director of Schools Company Trust, said there will be no job losses and terms of employment will remain the same.

Another, non-compulsory consultation will enable parents, staff and pupils to have their say for 10 days, as recommended by the DfE.

Mr Baker added: This process will need to provide all interested parties with the time and the opportunity to express their views about the changes about to take place.

Mr Achilleos explained that SchoolsCompany Trust is a new organisation, set up about two years ago in anticipation of the requirement that academies have to be sponsored. It is a not-for profit company bourne from SchoolsCompany Ltd, the management consultancy that has been steering the school since it was placed into special measures in March.

Mr Barker, who became chairman of governors added: “This is an exciting time for the school and the local community”.