Venturers Trust is a dynamic and focused multi-academy trust based in Bristol, formed in September 2017 through the merger of CGS Trust and Merchants’ Academy Trust. The Trust is responsible for eight academies, 3,500 pupils and 750 staff with a commitment to making a significant and lifelong difference to the lives of young people from some of Bristol’s most disadvantaged communities.
The Trust is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. The Society of Merchant Venturers is a private entrepreneurial and charitable organisation that actively supports enterprise in Bristol. It has been involved in improving the city’s education for at least 400 years. As a sponsor, the Merchant Venturers are heavily involved in all aspects of the Trust including Governance. They bring first class expertise in governance and a wide range of business acumen to the benefit of our schools.
The University of Bristol ranks as one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. It is committed to encouraging the number of local students seeking a place within Higher Education. The University is actively involved in the development of the Trust’s curriculum and Governance and allows our pupils and students to access its excellent academic facilities. The University has created an extensive programme of opportunities for our pupils which no other schools have. The University also offers support in other areas, such as research and mentoring. Both sponsors seek to ensure that all our young people receive a truly inspiring education. Their support, challenge and expertise are greatly valued.
Currently the Primary phase of Venturers Trust comprises:
- Bannerman Road Community Academy
- Barton Hill Academy
- The Dolphin School
- Fairlawn School
- The Kingfisher School
- Merchants’ Academy, an all-age school, also benefits from collaboration in its Primary Phase with the five Primary schools in the Trust
The Trust has a set of core values which are embedded in all of its schools whilst allowing each learning community to develop a distinctive identity relevant to its local community. The core values across the family of schools are: Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, and Resilience