PUPILS from five schools in the town united for the official launch of the Omega Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) at Chapelford Village Primary School.

The school on Santa Rosa Boulevard was joined by youngsters from Burtonwood Community Primary, Park Road Community Primary, Westbrook Old Hall Primary and Great Sankey High including Barrow Hall College.

Jon Wright, chief executive of Omega MAT, said: "The schools converted to academy status on January 1.

"The trust’s vision is based on providing a continuity of education from age four to 18 – a system that provides for the child for the entire 14 years.

"It offers its partners continued independence within a protective group.

"The trust’s values were discussed by the 77 pupils present, representing all schools and a range of year groups.”

The event was organised by the Great Sankey High School’s year 11 student leadership group and the Barrow Hall College’s two presidents.

"The outcome was very powerful, students of all ages agreeing what they wanted the trust to stand for and concluding that the ten chosen values were valued by all,” Mr Wright added.