Two schools in Dudley are set to begin the new academic term as academies following the council's approval of management transfers. The decision, signed off by the cabinet member for children and young people, Cllr Wayne Little, will see Old Park School in Brierley Hill join the Dudley Academies Trust, while Milking Bank Primary School will transfer to the Invictus Education Trust, both effective from September 1.
Old Park School's Transition to Academy Status
Old Park School, which caters to young people up to age 19 with severe learning difficulties including autism and complex medical needs, is rated outstanding by Ofsted. The school currently employs 152 staff members, including 22 teaching staff, all of whom will transfer to the Dudley Academies Trust under TUPE regulations. The school's forecast financial outturn for 2025/26 shows a deficit of £158,000, which will also be transferred to the trust.
The Ofsted inspection report from 2024 praised the school's nurturing environment, stating: "The Old Park School is a nurturing place where pupils feel safe and happy. Pupils learn about a wide range of topics and subjects and enjoy coming to school. They benefit from resources such as the swimming pool and soft play to support their personal development."
Milking Bank Primary School Joins Invictus Education Trust
Milking Bank Primary School in Dudley, which received a 'good' rating from Ofsted in 2023, will transfer its 69 employees, including 22 teaching staff, to the Invictus Education Trust. The school is predicting an in-year surplus of £74,000 for 2025/26, which will be handed over to the trust as part of the agreement.
Ofsted's 2023 report highlighted the school's positive atmosphere, noting: "Pupils know what is expected at Milking Bank Primary School. They are confident that the adults in school will always help them, and know that it is important to treat others with respect. In class and on the playground, they behave well. Disruption of any sort is rare."
Impact on Staff and Pupils
The transitions are expected to bring significant changes for both schools, with staff transferring under TUPE regulations ensuring their employment terms are protected. For pupils, the academy status is likely to bring new opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing within the respective trusts. The council's approval marks a significant step in the local education landscape, as both schools join larger networks aimed at improving educational outcomes.
According to Cllr Wayne Little, the decision was made to ensure the schools benefit from the expertise and support of established academy trusts. The transfers are part of a broader trend in the region toward academy conversion, with many schools seeking to leverage the resources and autonomy that academy status provides.
Financial Considerations
The financial aspects of the transfers are noteworthy. Old Park School's deficit of £158,000 will be absorbed by the Dudley Academies Trust, while Milking Bank Primary's surplus of £74,000 will be transferred to the Invictus Education Trust. These figures reflect the varying financial health of the schools, but both trusts have agreed to take on the respective financial positions as part of the conversion process.
Parents and guardians of pupils at both schools have been informed of the changes, and the council has assured them that there will be no disruption to education during the transition period. The schools will continue to operate as usual, with the same staff and leadership teams, but under the governance of their new trusts.
Looking Ahead
As September approaches, both schools are preparing for the official change in status. The Dudley Academies Trust and Invictus Education Trust are expected to work closely with school leadership to implement any necessary improvements and ensure a smooth transition. The council's approval is seen as a positive move to enhance the quality of education in Dudley, with both schools set to benefit from the additional support and resources available through academy status.
This development comes amid ongoing changes in the education sector, with many local authorities across the country transferring schools to academy trusts. The decisions made by Cllr Little reflect a commitment to ensuring that schools in Dudley have the best possible support to meet the needs of their pupils.
