Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust is pleased to confirm that Masham Church of England Primary School became part of the Trust on 1 February following approval from the Department for Education. This marks a significant and positive milestone for the school, its community and the Trust.
The school’s move to academy status further strengthens collaboration and reinforces its longstanding commitment to high-quality education rooted in Christian values. By joining Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, Masham Church of England Primary School becomes part of a growing family of schools united by a shared mission of ambition, learning and enrichment for all.
A Strong Foundation and Shared Vision, Masham Church of England Primary School joins the Trust with a rich heritage and deep community connections. The school brings a well-established culture of inclusive, nurturing education, which closely aligns with the Trust’s vision to ensure all children flourish academically, personally and spiritually.
The conversion follows a period of close working between the Trust and the School’s governing body, North Yorkshire Council and community leaders, and has the full support of the Diocese of Leeds. All staff have transferred with the School to the Trust, ensuring continuity and stability for pupils and families.
Jane Goodwin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Masham Church of England Primary School into the Trust. The school embodies the values that matter to us including as a place where everyone is respected and valued and we have ambition for children and staff alike. Having been part of the Governing Body for nearly a year, I have seen the great progress that the school is making and am delighted that this is being recognised both internally and externally. The School is blessed with a talented group of staff and I look forward to continuing to work with them, governors and families as we continue to build on the school’s strengths to the benefit of children. The new sensory room has been a great start as a fantastic place for children to step away from the busy school day and ready themselves for the next steps in their learning. We are looking forward to opening a new library in the coming weeks, which further positions the joy and importance of reading at the heart of the school.”
The Chair of Trustees, Rachel Flower said:
“This partnership demonstrates the Trust’s continued commitment to welcoming schools that fit our ethos, small and large. Building on the strong position of our other nine schools we look forward to supporting Masham School as a place where every child continues to flourish.”
Headteacher, Jane Wood, commented:
“This marks an exciting new chapter for our school. Becoming part of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust enables us to continue to develop the highest standards of education while benefitting from additional expertise, collaboration and capacity. We are proud to join a Trust that shares our values, our priorities and our commitment to every child.”
Enhanced Opportunities Through Partnership Joining the Trust provides immediate and long-term benefits for pupils, staff and the wider community, including:
• continued celebration of the school’s Christian distinctiveness and community identity
• high-quality professional development, including staff access to trust-wide subject networks and curriculum collaboration
• support for SEND provision and inclusion
• wider enrichment opportunities for staff and children, including shared events and inter-school activities
• robust financial and operational oversight, with a view to long-term sustainability
Looking Ahead
Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust extends warm thanks to the school’s leadership, staff, governors, local authority and Diocesean colleagues and the local community, whose commitment and support have underpinned achieving this next step for the school.
With shared purpose, ambition and partnership at its heart, the Trust looks forward to supporting Masham Church of England Primary School as it continues to grow, thrive and offer exceptional opportunities for every child in its care.
