GREAT Sankey High’s executive head teacher said he is ‘disappointed’ that two primary schools have pulled out of plans to join the school’s multi academy trust (MAT).

Barrow Hall, Burtonwood, Callands, Chapelford, Park Road and Westbrook Old Hall primary schools were set to join the Omega MAT in January.

But in a letter to parents, Great Sankey High School said Callands and Barrow Hall primary schools will not be joining the MAT in the New Year.

The letter said: “The due diligence process has caused much discussion of risk and liability around the schools’ budgets and buildings.

“Two schools have now decided that they do not feel ready to commit to signing up at this stage.”

The remaining five schools will convert to academies on January 1 and the letter said they are committed to the vision and values of the MAT.

Great Sankey High School’s executive head teacher Jon Wright said: “We have worked very closely as a group for a long period of time and therefore we are very disappointed that the two schools have decided not to join the Omega MAT at this time.

“The decision of the schools’ governing bodies is very recent and was very late in the process for conversion in January.  As such, all enquiries should be directed to them.”

A spokesman on behalf of the two primary schools said they did not feel able to commit to plans to convert to academies in January.

He added: “The board of governors does, of course, continue to be committed to positive collaboration between local schools.”