We had wonderful news on Monday when we welcomed an additional three schools to the Rivers family. Summerhill Primary Academy, Jubilee Park Primary Academy and Summerhill’s Little Treasures, formerly of Summer Park MAT, are now officially part of the Rivers CofE Academy Trust. 

Over the past few months, a lot of careful work and formal due diligence has been undertaken behind the scenes to ensure that this is a well-planned journey and the right choice for all of our schools.

Rivers now has fourteen schools across Worcestershire and Birmingham together with a thriving teaching school. We will also be welcoming Cherry Orchard Primary School early next year along with a brand-new alternative provision school in September 2022.

Kate Brunt, CEO of Rivers, said, “This merger will benefit our pupils, staff and communities alike as we realise the benefits of enhanced continuous school improvement and share best practice and greatly improved economies of scale. Each school within our trust retains its distinctive characteristics but we all share the same ethos, vision and values. We also stand united and remain committed to our aim to create a world-class education system for all pupils.”

Kerry Rochester, former CEO of Summer Park MAT and new Director of Education and Deputy CEO at Rivers, said, “The rationale behind Summer Park joining Rivers MAT was due to its forward thinking, outward-looking approach and dedication to improving life chances for all. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone. Senior Leaders are committed to ensuring our pupils have the best possible opportunities to flourish and this increased capacity will support the ambition of individual schools and allow children to fulfil their potential.”

Children are at the heart of everything that we do at Rivers and this additional capacity, collaboration and partnership will help to strengthen the provision of high-quality education for all of our pupils.