Hertfordshire schools join Ivy Learning Trust

Two Hertfordshire primary schools have joined Ivy Learning Trust, a growing family of schools working together to provide a great education for children.  

Martins Wood Primary School, in Stevenage, and Watchlytes Primary School, in Welwyn Garden City, became part of the Trust as of 1 December. 

Peartree Primary School, in Welwyn Garden City, previously joined in September and Round Diamond Primary School, in Stevenage, is expected to join in early 2023. This will bring the total number of schools in the Trust, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year, to 14 across Hertfordshire and Enfield. 

Zoë Phillips, Executive Headteacher of Round Diamond and Martins Wood, says: “We are delighted to be joining Ivy Learning Trust. This will enable us to work collaboratively with other schools to improve outcomes for children, while ensuring that each school retains its individuality and remains at the heart of the community it serves. 

“Our staff will now benefit from better access to training and development and the sharing of resources, best practice and expertise, while our pupils will have wider educational and cultural opportunities by taking part in Trust-wide projects and events.” 

Zoë, who has been headteacher at Round Diamond for ten years, adds: “This is a really positive step for the schools and we’re looking forward to being part of a wider family dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of learning.” 

Ivy Learning Trust was formed in 2017 to formalise the close working relationship between two Enfield schools, Brimsdown and Lavender. By early 2023 it will have grown to 14 schools, of which four are rated Outstanding by Ofsted and six are rated Good. 

Matthew Kleiner-Mann, CEO of Ivy Learning Trust, says: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming these new schools to Ivy. They will now benefit from being part of a supportive and innovative group of schools committed to ensuring that children receive the best possible education.  

“We believe local leaders know their school best, and we encourage each Ivy school to serve its local community in its own, individual way. Our children love their schools but they also love being part of a wider family, through projects like the Ivy Parliament, Trust-wide competitions, and our Ivy’s Got Talent show. We are looking forward to working with the schools and meeting pupils and parents over the coming months.”