Shires MAT formed in September 2020 and currently consists of 4 schools. Feckenham C of E Primary School is a small rural primary school with approximately 100 pupils and will see its first year 5 cohort start in September 2021. Studley High School is an oversubscribed 11-16 secondary school in Warwickshire with 800 pupils on roll. Webheath Academy Primary is an oversubscribed 2 form entry Primary School in Redditch with 420 pupils. Ridgeway Secondary school has just joined the MAT in September 2022.

Shires MAT aims to support our community in providing high quality education for all pupils and clarity of routes through a mixed two tier and three tier system locally.

Our MAT is based on the principle that collaboration between schools offers benefits to all within the Trust. We do not currently operate a top slice model but we work with a dedicated central team to ensure we have the capacity to provide a high quality provision and grow further whilst also maintaining excellent value for money. Schools pay a contribution from GAG funding to ensure a central offer based on need within the Trust and reflecting the size of the trust. This allows us to maintain an ambitious approach, combined with an affordable and supportive offer for schools, as we establish wider provision and develop the MAT Central offer further as we grow.

The Shires MAT recognises this and has established a Trust where Headteachers are exactly that, Headteachers who run their schools to ensure high quality educational experiences whilst supported by a central team. The central offer reduces the time head teachers need to spend on business or administrative function so they have the time to devote to leading educational provision within their schools.

Our strategic planning maintains a focus on each pillar and this feeds into school development plans for each of our academies. However, each school focuses on different priorities based on their current provision and any evidence gathered. Aspects such as Buildings and Infrastructure can be managed more centrally, in partnership with schools, to ensure a school’s vision is delivered, enabling Headteachers to focus on other strands such as Teaching and Curriculum and People, for example.

We have an excellent relationship with the Diocese of Worcester and have established the Trust with Articles of Association and a memorandum of understanding that allows Voluntary controlled C of E schools within Worcestershire to join our MAT. With both primary and secondary schools in the MAT already we would welcome approaches from any schools considering joining a MAT and would be happy to discuss further.

Feckenham CE Primary

Ridgeway Secondary School

Studley High School

Webheath Academy Primary