Leeds primary school rated 'requires improvement' to be taken over by academy chain
The transfer will happen from September
A Leeds primary school is set to be taken over by a chain of academies after an agreement was reached with the council.
Cobden Primary School in Farnley will become part of Owlcotes Multi Academy Trust (MAT).
Leeds City Council reached an agreement with the MAT over the future running of the school on Cobden Road.
A Commercial Transfer Agreement (CTA) means staff and property of the primary can be taken over by the trust.
A council report said the transfer would happen from September this year.
It said: “The local authority has a duty to promote high standards and champion educational excellence.
“The CTA deals with the transfer of the assets, staff and contracts from the council and the governing body to the new academy trust.”
The education regulator Ofsted previously raised concerns and rated the school as ‘requires improvement’.
The last inspection report said the school was already working with the trust to make improvements.
It said: “The trust provides leaders with helpful opportunities for collaboration and challenge.
“Governors are building on recent improvements by making focused monitoring visits to the school. Leaders are determined and ambitious to continue to improve pupils’ experiences in school.”
The Owlcoates MAT already runs schools in Pudsey, Morley and Armley.
Its website said: “We are a group of primary schools in Leeds with a genuine desire to provide excellent education and great outcomes for all pupils.”