`The community of Petteril Bank School has been welcomed into the trust.
The Carlisle school officially became CET’s 10th primary today (Nov 1) after being supported by the trust for more than a year.
The transfer follows months of behind the scenes work and means Petteril Bank becomes CET’s fifth primary in the Carlisle area.
A team worked through the October half term to decorate, re-carpet, install new IT and ensure the school could get off to a fresh start. On their first day with the trust, children were presented with new jumpers featuring the school’s logo.
Chris Wilkins, the trust’s Director of Primary Education, said: “We have got to know the school and its children well through the last 12 months of support and we’re delighted they are now part of our family.
“We have a tremendous team both in school and across the trust to help them thrive and grow.”
Headteacher Lisa Bland said it was an exciting time for pupils and staff.
Lisa said: “We want to put the school at the heart of the local community and ensure it is the first choice for parents in the local area.
“The children here have so much to offer and the staff are passionate about creating the best learning environment and opportunities for them.”
CET interim Executive Principal Cate Floyd said children would benefit from the support of the trust.
She said: “Being part of a bigger organisation will allow school staff to focus on teaching and learning. There’s a package of trust support, including subject leaders, who can offer expertise that isn’t always otherwise available.
“The school has some fabulous staff who are ready to embrace this and make a real difference to the children who attend Petteril Bank.”
The former Little Luvs nursery, offering childcare from two to four years, also comes under CET. Old Hall Café, which is on the same Burnett Road site, will continue to supply school lunches.
In the near future the school will re-establish a governing body with parents and other community representatives and an open event is planned for December 2 to celebrate the completion of a revamped library.
