A TRUST of six schools is preparing to welcome a new member to the mix.

Twynham Learning Multi Academy Trust says it is “thrilled” Poole High School has applied to join.

The Christchurch and Southbourne based trust formed in 2015 with the aim of bringing together communities and wider partnerships, and representing the identity of BCP and Dorset families.

Over recent years the member schools have developed approaches which support one another to build success for their pupils.

Gareth Morris, chief executive officer at Twynham Learning, said: “We are delighted to welcome Poole High School into engaging with us for closer talks about our trust and how we together can better meet the needs for all communities in the coming years.

“Their commitment to excellence and community engagement aligns perfectly with our founding principles, and we are confident that together, we will achieve outstanding outcomes for all of our students.”

Poole High School’s decision to join Twynham Learning was made after consideration by the school’s governing body.

The body was said to be “deeply impressed” with Twynham Learning’s “dedication to its founding principles of humility, equality and community and its mission and drive for social equality and opportunity for all”.

Poole High School will partner with Twynham School and The Grange School to “challenge, shape and improve” each other whilst retaining their own identities and commitments.

Paul Gray, the school’s headteacher, said: “We are thrilled to become part of Twynham Learning Multi-Academy Trust.

"This innovative partnership will allow us to build on our strengths and provide even greater opportunities for our students.

"We look forward to collaborating with many new colleagues within the trust and sharing our strengths and expertise.”

Poole High School says the new partnership represents an “exciting next chapter” in its journey which will “enhance the educational experience for pupils”.

It added it will “enable continued strong provision", in light of a “shrinking local authority”, with Poole High School one of the few local authority-maintained schools in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.