Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT)
Our Journey with Chester Diocesan Learning Trust
Looking ahead together
Eccleston is beginning an important new chapter as we prepare to become an academy and join Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT).
Our priority remains providing a happy, safe and nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their very best.
Becoming part of CDLT will provide opportunities to build on our school's strengths, benefit from additional expertise and resources, and work alongside other schools to provide the very best education and experiences for our children.
Working together with CDLT
CDLT is already a valued partner of Eccleston, having worked alongside our school and provided support over recent months.
This existing relationship provides a strong foundation for the future. CDLT understands our school community, shares our commitment to children's education and wellbeing, and recognises the importance of everything that makes Eccleston special.
As a Church of England school, our Christian vision and values are central to our identity. CDLT shares these values, with an ethos rooted in faith, hope and love and a commitment to helping children, staff and school communities flourish.
We look forward to continuing this partnership as we prepare to become part of the wider CDLT family of schools.
What happens next?
As part of the next stage in Eccleston's journey, the Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed, through a directive academy order, that we will join CDLT and become an academy.
Over the coming months, we will work with CDLT, the local authority and the DfE to complete the arrangements needed for the school to formally join the Trust.
There are a number of legal and practical steps involved, and we will keep parents and carers informed as the process progresses.
In the meantime, school life will continue as normal for our children and families. Our focus remains firmly on providing the best possible education and care for every child.
Keeping our community informed
We understand that the school community may have questions about what joining CDLT will mean for Eccleston. We are committed to keeping everyone informed and providing opportunities to ask questions and learn more about the Trust.
We will be arranging an opportunity for parents and carers to meet representatives from Eccleston and CDLT, hear more about the Trust and discuss the next steps.
Further details will be shared through our usual school communication channels.
In the meantime, we have provided answers to some frequently asked questions below.
If you have any further questions, please contact the School Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Eccleston becoming an academy?
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that Eccleston will become an academy as part of the national process for supporting schools where additional improvement is needed.
This will enable Eccleston to benefit from the experience, expertise and resources available through a multi-academy trust.
What is a multi-academy trust (MAT)?
A multi-academy trust (MAT) is an organisation responsible for running a group of academy schools. A MAT is set up as a company limited by guarantee and also an exempt charity. This means it is run for the benefit of its schools and pupils, rather than to make a profit.
When a school joins a MAT, the Trust becomes responsible for running the school, taking over many of the responsibilities previously held by the local authority. This includes responsibility for education, staffing, finances and school buildings.
Schools within a MAT work together, sharing expertise, resources and good practice, while retaining their individual identities and links with their local communities.
Why has CDLT been chosen?
CDLT is already a trusted partner of Eccleston and has provided valuable support to the school.
The Trust understands our school community and shares our Christian ethos and values. This existing relationship provides a strong foundation for working together to secure a positive future for Eccleston.
Which schools are part of CDLT?
CDLT is a growing family of schools working together to provide the best possible education and opportunities for their children.
Each school retains its own identity and connection to its local community while benefiting from the support and shared expertise of the wider Trust.
You can find information about the schools within CDLT on the CDLT Our Schools page. cdlt.org.uk
Will Eccleston keep its name and Christian identity?
Yes. There are no plans to change the school's name or its identity as a Church of England school.
Our Christian vision and values will remain central to school life, supported by CDLT's commitment to helping children and school communities flourish.
Will anything change for my child?
There will be no immediate changes to your child's school place or day-to-day arrangements as a result of this announcement.
Children will continue to attend Eccleston, supported by the staff they know.
Over time, the school and CDLT will work together to identify opportunities to strengthen teaching, learning and the wider experiences available to children.
Will the teachers and other staff remain the same?
There are no immediate staffing changes being announced as part of the academy conversion process.
Staff will be kept informed and involved as arrangements for joining CDLT develop.
Will the school uniform, school day or curriculum change?
There are no immediate plans to change these arrangements as a result of joining CDLT.
Any future changes would be considered carefully, with families kept informed.
Will I need to apply for a new school place for my child?
No. All children currently attending Eccleston will automatically remain on roll when the school becomes an academy.
Parents and carers do not need to take any action.
How will joining CDLT help Eccleston?
Joining CDLT will give Eccleston access to a wider network of schools, experienced educational leaders and additional specialist support.
This will provide opportunities for staff to work together, share good practice and develop their expertise, helping us provide the best possible education and experiences for our children.
When will Eccleston officially join CDLT?
A date has not yet been confirmed.
There are a number of legal and practical steps to complete before Eccleston formally joins the Trust. We will keep families updated as the process progresses.
Where can I find out more?
Further information about CDLT, its schools, values and approach to education is available at:
www.cdlt.org.uk
If you have any questions about Eccleston joining CDLT, please contact the School Office.
