Beverley School, which serves children requiring autism-focused education, is the first specialist school to join The Legacy Learning Trust.
A specialist school supporting autistic pupils has joined a mainstream trust in a rare move described as an “important milestone” for education on Teesside.
Beverley School, which serves children requiring autism-focused education, is the first specialist school to join The Legacy Learning Trust. And the move is especially significant because it brings together specialist provision, and mainstream primary and secondary education, into a single multi-academy trust.
Sarah Lymer, chief executive of The Legacy Learning Trust, said: “This is an important milestone in the Trust’s continued growth, and strengthening its commitment to inclusive education across the region. Welcoming such a highly respected specialist school into our Trust underscores our shared commitment to nurturing the potential of every student.
“Through our collaborative approach, our schools maintain their unique character while benefitting from a strong network of expertise, resources, and development and leadership opportunities.”
Beverley School is the eighth school to become part of the Middlesbrough multi-academy trust in the eight years since it was launched. The move coincides with the appointment of Executive Headteacher, Katie Haycock, who has a wealth of experience in school leadership and significant expertise in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
“I am so excited to be joining an exceptionally dedicated team at Beverley School, and a pioneering education trust that is leading the way by bringing mainstream and specialist education together,” said Mrs Haycock. It is rare to see that happen and there are so many mutual benefits. The children at Beverley School will benefit from being part of the trust, and the trust will be enriched by our children.”
As well as being Executive Headteacher at Beverley School, Mrs Haycock will have an executive role in driving SEND leadership across the trust’s other schools: Abingdon Primary, Acklam Grange, Acklam Whin Primary, Breckon Hill Primary, Green Lane Primary, Linthorpe Community Primary and Newham Bridge Primary.
Mrs Haycock was previously responsible for SEND and vulnerable learners for Nicholas Postgate Catholic Academy Trust, comprising 38 primary and secondary schools across five local authorities. She has served on the Middlesbrough and City of York strategic SEND and inclusion boards, and her roles in a 30-year career in education include headteacher, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, and school governor.