Masham Church of England Primary School begins ‘exciting new chapter’ by joining Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust

The move, which took effect on February 1 following approval from the Department for Education, sees the school convert to academy status and join a growing family of schools united by a shared commitment to ambition, learning and enrichment.

School leaders say the change will strengthen collaboration while maintaining the school’s longstanding Christian ethos and close ties with the local community.

Masham Church of England Primary School joins the Trust with a strong heritage and a reputation for inclusive, nurturing education.

Its values closely align with Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust’s vision of ensuring 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.

Mrs Goodwin also highlighted recent developments at the school, including a new sensory room designed to support pupils’ wellbeing.

“It has already proved a fantastic space for children to step away from the busy school day and prepare themselves for the next steps in their learning,” she said.

Plans are also under way to open a new library in the coming weeks, reinforcing the importance of reading at the heart of school life.

Rachel Flower, Chair of Trustees, said the partnership reflected the trust’s commitment to welcoming schools of all sizes that align with its ethos.

She said: “Building on the strong position of our other nine schools, we look forward to supporting Masham Church of England Primary School as a place where every child continues to flourish.”

As part of the trust, the school will benefit from enhanced professional development opportunities for staff, support for special educational needs and inclusion, shared enrichment activities and events, and robust financial and operational oversight to support long-term sustainability.

Jane Wood, Headteacher at Masham Church of England Primary School, described the move as ‘an exciting new chapter’ for the school.

She said: “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.”

Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust has thanked the school’s leadership, staff, governors, local authority, diocesan colleagues and the wider community for their support in achieving the transition.

With partnership and shared purpose at its heart, the trust says it is looking forward to supporting Masham Church of England Primary School as it continues to grow and thrive.