Infinity Academies Trust, which has schools across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, reflects on year of growth and improvement

The chairman of an academy trust has looked back at 2023 with a great deal of pride after describing it as “a year to remember”.

The Infinity Academies Trust is a family of ten primary academies from across Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, including Long Bennington Church of England Academy and Leadenham Church of England Primary Academy who joined the trust earlier this year.

Sean Westaway, chairman of the trust, reflected on the progress that has been made by schools across the group after the release of the trust’s latest Impact Report.

Sean said: “This really has been a year of growth and achievement at every single level of our family of schools — and we were delighted to welcome Long Bennington to our trust in the Spring.

“Not only have our outcomes improved, particularly at for those children who are about to leave us for secondary school, but the opportunities we have been able to offer our children has also been enhanced. Some of the trips and activities our children have been part of are fantastic.”

Three schools, all in Lincolnshire were also inspected by Ofsted, with one securing its first Good in a decade and others making strides to becoming Outstanding.

Sean added: “We don’t do what we do for Ofsted gradings, but the external validation that our schools are moving forward with pace and purpose is important. Our schools are now standing shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the best in the area.

“In addition, we have welcomed two schools into our trust, supported one school to move from being an Infant school to an all-through primary and invested nearly £2 million in enhancing our learning spaces, IT provision and school buildings.

“It has been a real year to remember.”

Gavin Booth, chief executive of the trust, added that the areas that the progress was only possible because there is a real sense of community across the trust.

Gavin added: “The feedback we have had through things like Parent View, our externally managed staff survey and all that we do to capture the views of our brilliant children reflects that people are proud to be part of our trust. Our focus on supporting people and understanding our role is much broader than just focusing on what happens in the classroom is really paying off.

“That is why, although I am proud of all that has been achieved this year, I genuinely can’t wait to see what 2024 will bring.”