A PRIMARY school has been given official approval to join The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) in Warrington.

Penketh South Community Primary, on Finlay Avenue, has been a key member of the Multi Academy Trust since its initial stages and received its Academy Notice from the Head teachers’ Board last week.

Head teacher Angela Grace said: “Both our parents and our teachers want the same thing and that is the best outcomes for the children.

“As a member of TCAT we will be looking to develop the curriculum and call on the expertise of our colleagues in the high schools and at Priestley who specialise in subjects such as science, engineering and geography.”

Plans for Priestley College, Penketh High, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High, Beamont Collegiate Academy, Bridgewater High, Great Sankey Primary and Penketh South Primary schools to form an academy were approved in April.

Penketh South, which has 223 pupils, is already working with other TCAT members to share best practice.

Angela added: “We are asking the high schools where there are skills gaps in young people so that we can start to address them at primary level.”

The Challenge Academy Trust is one of the biggest in the country and its members include a faith school, sixth form college and primary schools.

Priestley College Principal Matthew Grant, chief executive of TCAT, said: “It is great to have a good school like Penketh South on board. By working together we will be able to drive forward our school and college improvement agenda for the benefit of all young people in Warrington.”