1. What is this consultation about?

We’re gathering views from parents, carers, staff, and the wider community on a proposal for our school to join Aquila Schools Trust, a multi-academy trust (MAT). No decisions have been finalised—this is your chance to help shape the direction of the school.

2. What is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)?

A MAT is a group of schools that work together under one organisation. They share expertise, resources, and leadership to strengthen teaching, learning, and school improvement. Think of it like joining a supportive family.

3. Who are Aquila Schools Trust?

Aquila is an established trust with a focus on high-quality education, strong values, and collaboration between schools. They provide strategic leadership, staff development, and support to member schools, while still allowing each school to keep its individual character.

4. Why are we considering joining?

The governing body believes joining Aquila could offer several benefits, including:

  • Increased school improvement support
  • More professional development opportunities for staff
  • Access to shared resources and expertise
  • Stronger long-term stability for the school

In short, more hands on deck so we can row even faster—without anyone falling overboard.

5. Will the school lose its identity?

No. The school’s name, values, and ethos are expected to remain central. The aim is to strengthen what already makes the school special, not replace it with something off the shelf.

6. Will this change the curriculum?

The core curriculum will stay in our hands. The trust may help schools enhance their offer—but it won’t be dictating what your child eats for breakfast or what books they read at bedtime.

7. Will this affect school staff?

Staff will transfer under TUPE, meaning their terms and conditions are protected. They may also gain access to more training and development opportunities through the trust.

8. How will this impact pupils?

The intention is that pupils benefit from:

  • Higher-quality teaching
  • Additional opportunities (e.g., shared events, clubs, or specialist support)
  • A more resilient and well-supported school

The idea is to give children the very best experience.

9. Will class sizes or admissions change?

No. Admissions arrangements remain the responsibility of the school and local authority unless formally changed through statutory processes. Class sizes are not affected by academy status.

10. What happens to school funding?

The school will continue to receive public funding. A portion goes to the trust to cover shared services (similar to what the local authority currently receives). The rest stays within the school.

11. How can I share my views?

You can participate by:

  • Completing the consultation questionnaire on the forms link
  • Attending consultation events or meetings
  • Emailing your thoughts to consultation@bridge.kent.sch.uk

12. What happens after the consultation?

The governing body will review all responses carefully before deciding whether to proceed. If they move forward, there will be a transition period before any changes take effect.

13. When would the school join Aquila if approved?

If the decision is made to proceed, the aim would be to join on an agreed date with the Trust and Department for Education. We’ll keep everyone updated throughout.

The following questions were added on Thursday 10th December and are taken from the Microsoft Form Consultation Questionnaire.

Will joining an academy mean we experience any additional costs to parents each year?

No. We do not foresee any costs being passed on to parents.

If the reasons are strictly financial, how is it helpful to pay a fee to the Academy?

Each Academy Trust takes a proportion of funding allocated to schools to run their central services - this is no different to what the Local Authority does. The governors are of the opinion that the service provided by Aquila would be better value for money than those provided by the Local Authority.

Whilst there are financial considerations, the reasons for looking at this move are not entirely so.

We support any progressive moves that help improve the school’s ability to flourish and manage itself. However, it is 2025 and there are some parents, (perhaps a growing majority), that are fairly atheist and/or agnostic, so we may be resistant to any moves that further encourage or expand the indoctrination of children into a particular religion. What exactly does the academy do regarding Christianity, (beyond what the school currently experiences as a CofE establishment)? Will the Christian messaging be ramped up? Will the balance between scientific explanations and teachings be tipped further towards Christian beliefs?

Whilst Bridge & Patrixbourne CEP School is a church school we are, first and foremost, a school for our community - regardless of faith (or indeed none). Joining Aquila will not impact this.

Our school is not about indoctrinating children into Christianity but about ensuring that children develop good values and are ready to be successful and flourish in their future (whatever that may be). 

The children's daily experience of our Christian vision and values will remain unchanged. The day-to-day running of the school, as well as any decisions around the curriculum remain in the school's control.

If things haven't been decided yet, why aren't any negative points in the consultation letter?

The Governing Board have taken great care in selecting Aquila as our preferred Academy Trust; this means that, as of this moment, we do not see any negatives in joining Aquila.

Will Bridge and Patrixbourne Primary School still have independent funding. Its money will not be shared amongst the trust?

Bridge School will retain its autonomy over its funding. Money allocated to Bridge School cannot be transferred to other schools.

Will there be an ‘executive head’ overseeing the school as part of the trust, or will the school be totally independent and run as it is now?

The school will continue to run as it is now with the same leadership team, teachers, TAs and support staff.

Will staff still be allowed to deliver their own lessons in their own styles, or be required to deliver MAT wide approved lessons?

The school retains all control over teaching and learning including curriculum decisions. Whilst the MAT may provide some resources to support teaching and learning, the decision to use these will be the schools.