Academy Conversion

Academy Conversion Update – September 2025 

Parents and carers will be aware that over many years, the Governing Board has worked hard to support the long-term success of our school. During the last academic year, a consultation exercise involving all stakeholders was undertaken regarding a proposal for our school to convert to an academy within a new multi-academy trust being set up by the Diocese of Chester, Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT).  

The Diocese of Chester recognise the strength and success of our school. Over recent years, we have seen the implementation of systems, relentless drive to enrich learning opportunities and the development of leadership capacity which have supported excellent outcomes for pupils and commendations of our work by external agencies including SIAMS and Ofsted.  

Families are aware that in our January 2025 inspection, improvement across all areas of the school inspection framework was noted. The inspection validated that the school had significantly improved beyond the Good Ofsted judgement we attained in October 2019. 

As a founding school of CDLT, we have been instrumental in developing the vision, and shaping policies and systems for the new trust, alongside several other highly successful schools in Cheshire and the Wirral.  

Conversion to academy status will not cause changes to our own school vision and ways of working with our children and their families. Chester Diocese Learning Trust is committed to ensuring that the successful teams, systems and relationships at the schools continue for the benefit of all pupils. Already, increased collaboration between CDLT partners has supported the enhancement of approaches we take to ensure that all children and staff are able to shine brightly.  

Following careful consideration of the options available for securing our school’s future success and the outcome of the consultation exercise, the Governing Board took the decision to proceed with conversion with the CDLT Trust.  

At the present time, the date for our conversion has not been finalised although I anticipate that this will happen during this term.  

I will keep parents and carers posted about the exciting developments which will spring from our collaboration with the other successful schools in our family.  

If you would like to discuss this with me, please contact the school office to arrange a mutually convenient meeting.  

Thank you for your support, cooperation and for your affection for our school.  

CDLT Collaboration  

A group of talented artists from Hoole spent a day with artists from schools who are also converting with Chester Diocese Learning Trust (CDLT).  

Pupils met with children from the following schools to work together with a professional artist:  

• Capenhurst CofE Primary School, (Cheshire)  

• Lostock Gralam CofE Primary School (Cheshire)  

• Hoylake Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, (Wirral)  

• Hoole Church of England Primary School, (Cheshire) 

• St Andrew's CofE Aided Primary School, (Wirral)  

• West Kirby St Bridget's CofE Primary School (Wirral)  

• Davenham CofE Primary School (Cheshire) 

Pupils created sections of artwork which were then combined to create a badge representing Chester Diocese Learning Trust.  

We enjoyed the day at Capenhurst Village Hall, working with the artist and with friends from other schools.