Academy Consultation
Consultation on Proposed Academy Conversion
Introduction
Welcome to our consultation for the proposed academy conversion of Tilston Parochial CofE Primary school. On this page you should find all the information you need to make an informed decision on the proposed conversion.
The governors and school leaders at Tilston Parochial CofE Primary school have taken the decision to consider applying for academy status and joining North West Academies Trust (NWAT). This decision has been made following many months of extensive research and consideration of a range of multi academy trusts.
Governors and leaders have met with representatives North West Academies Trust (NWAT), have talked to other schools who are already part of NWAT and to other local schools.
In considering applying for academy status, school leaders and governors have looked at the range of academy trust options available to us as a church school, and believe that NWAT would be the best choice for our school. We strongly believe this will bring enormous benefits for our pupils and our staff.
What is an academy and a multi-academy trust?
An academy is a state-funded school that operates independently of the local authority and receives funding directly from central government.
A multi-academy trust (MAT) is a group of academies overseen by a single board of directors. The board is accountable for the trust, but it may delegate some responsibilities to local governing bodies at individual schools.
What are the benefits of academy status?
The governing body believes the advantages of academy status include:
For Children and Families
• Broader curriculum opportunities while keeping our small-school ethos and Christian distinctiveness
• Enhanced enrichment, sporting, and cultural experiences
• Continued focus on ‘building each other up’ so every child thrives
• Strengthened school sustainability within a supportive trust
• Assurance that Tilston’s Christian vision, values, and community identity remain central
• Wider network of opportunities and support for children and families
For Staff
• Access to wider professional development and shared expertise
• Greater financial control
• Stronger collaboration with colleagues across the trust
• Additional resources and support to help staff flourish
Why North West Academies Trust?
We believe that joining North West Academies Trust (NWAT) will offer our school:
Shared values and ethos – NWAT has a strong commitment to pupil wellbeing and academic achievement.
Educational improvement – our staff will benefit from working with, and learning from, a wider group of specialists.
Support for our vision – access to expertise and resources to strengthen teaching and learning at Tilston Parochial CoE Primary School.
About North West Academies Trust (NWAT)
North West Academies Trust (NWAT) is a multi-academy trust (MAT) consisting of 12 primary and secondary schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.
The Trust was created by CEO, Steve Docking OBE who was Headteacher at Delamere CE Primary Academy, which in 2007, faced closure with only 42 pupils on roll. Under Steve’s leadership the school gained an outstanding Ofsted in 2009 and in 2011 it became the first primary academy convertor in Cheshire. From this point, the school quadrupled its pupil numbers and remains one of the highest performing schools in the country, recently being named The North West Primary School of the Year in the prestigious The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025.
In 2011, NWAT was established to open Chester’s first free school, with the aim of providing world-class education within the academy and free school sector. After 18 months St Martin’s Academy in Hoole received an outstanding Ofsted and is consistently one of Cheshire’s most oversubscribed schools.
Admissions arrangements
Currently, school admissions are managed by the local authority. If Tilston Parochial CoE Primary School becomes an academy, admissions will be managed by North West Academies Trust, but they will remain closely aligned with existing local authority arrangements. All academies must follow the national Admissions Code and Appeals Code.
For now, the current admission arrangements will remain unchanged. Any future changes would require a separate consultation.
How to get involved
We encourage all parents, carers, and members of the community to take part in this consultation and share their views. You can do so by:
Emailing Reverend Tim Robinson (Chair of Governors) at trtimrobinson@gmail.com
Attending the parent consultation meeting on 13th October 2025 at 2:15pm or 14th October at 6pm in the school hall
Further information about academies can also be found on the Department for Education website: Types of school: Academies - GOV.UK
If you have any questions not covered in this letter or on the DfE website, please email us at: head@tilston.cheshire.sch.uk