Helen Dowds, Principal, Vale of York Academy

Our partnership with Hope Sentamu Learning Trust and, importantly, with our partner school Manor Church of England Academy, is significant as it is unique to the schools in York. No other multi-academy trust exists as yet in this area that gives scope for two secondary schools to work in collaboration. The children at Vale of York Academy get the best of both worlds. Ours is a small school with less than 150 pupils in each year, which means that each child can truly be known as a unique individual by our dedicated and committed staff; but at the same time they will reap the benefits of being a partner school to Manor.

By being part of the Trust our young people get the advantage of shared staffing expertise, joint school trips and events, plus a shared curriculum offer at Key Stage 4. The benefits of this cannot be underestimated.