Consultation on the proposal for Ormiston Park Academy to transfer to Community Schools Trust

Over recent years, Ormiston has worked closely with Ormiston Park Academy, with a clear focus on strengthening its foundations and ensuring it is well positioned for the future. As this work has progressed, a range of options have been considered to identify the best long-term pathway for the school.  

Following careful consideration, Community Schools Trust (CST) has been identified as the trust best placed to support Park in its next phase.  

The move is intended to ensure the academy has the right support in place to continue moving forward, with a focus on building on the progress made, and delivering strong outcomes for students.  

Community Schools Trust has a strong local presence and a proven track record in supporting secondary schools. Its capacity,  expertise and investment mean it is well placed to build on the progress already made at Park and support the school in achieving its full potential.  

The proposal is at an early stage and so we have started a period of formal engagement running from 10 June – 1 July to provide our stakeholders with an opportunity to find out more about the proposals and CST.  You can get involved by:

  • Attending the parent forum on Tuesday 23 June at 4pm  
  • Sending any questions to [email protected], using the reference “Park” in the subject header 

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Community Schools Trust is a successful multi-academy trust working with schools across different communities. The trust has a strong track record of supporting school improvement, raising academic standards and creating calm, safe and ambitious learning environments for students. The proposal would aim to build on the existing strengths of Ormiston Park Academy while providing additional expertise, leadership support and opportunities for collaboration with other schools within the trust. Community Schools Trust is committed to ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education, strong pastoral care and the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally.  

You can find out more about Community Schools Trust here: https://www.communityschoolstrust.org 

Joining CST would provide Ormiston Park Academy with access to a wider network of experienced school leaders, specialist support and shared resources designed to help schools thrive. The trust places a strong emphasis on developing excellent teaching, nurturing student wellbeing, and ensuring high expectations for all learners. Through closer collaboration with other CST schools, staff and students would benefit from increased opportunities, professional expertise and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. The partnership would support the academy in continuing to grow and develop, while maintaining its identity and strong connection to the local community.  

CST and Ormiston share similar values and ambitions for Park. CST is uniquely placed to offer Ormiston Park Academy the support it needs in the next phase of its improvement journey.   

The same academy team will remain in place, with the addition of trust-level leadership and resource support from CST. Crucially, staff will receive local support from CST to continue to enhance and improve our practice in all areas, to the benefit of all our learners.

The curriculum will continue to ensure progression and achievement for all.

The academy will continue to uphold its distinctive character and remain rooted in the local community. This proposal is about support and improvement, not about changing what makes the school unique. 

Naturally, the “Ormiston” brand would be removed, but more details will follow for any changes that would be made to the school name or identity.  Community Schools Trust will work with staff and pupils to develop a new identity that reflects the new chapter for the school.

Reflecting changes to the school’s name, there will be slight changes to the branded items in the school uniform. These changes will be introduced gradually to minimise costs to parents.  

Community Schools Trust respect and understand concerns that parents may have about any anticipated and unexpected expense with regard to uniforms. Parents will not be expected to purchase any new uniform before the old one requires replacing. Current students can continue to wear their existing uniform until they grow out of it, with any new branded items introduced for the whole cohort of Year 7, joining in September 2027.

There are no plans to change the start and end times of the day as part of the transfer process.  This academic year, term dates and start and end times will remain as published.

Term dates will remain in line with Thurrock local authority.

Final approval will be sought in the Autumn and if approved and timings run to plan, the transfer would take effect in the Autumn 2026. However, consultations are subject to change, and we will keep you updated with progress.

The priority is to secure the very best outcomes for all our learners. Changes to exam boards for those already studying for public exams would not benefit our learners. Exam boards will remain the same for all current Key Stage 4 curriculum areas.  

Community Schools Trust will ensure that the exam boards used are right for our children, so that they attain at their very best. Any future developments will be carefully considered and fully planned to ensure the very best for all students.

Yes. We are keen to engage with parents, carers, staff, LAs and the local community and to hear your feedback. We would therefore encourage you to share this by contacting [email protected]  using the reference “Park” in the subject header. This period of engagement closes at noon on 26th June.