Chester Diocesan Learning Trust Welcomes First Schools into New Education Trust

Formed after nearly two years of collaborative development, CDLT offers a new opportunity for church schools seeking to become academies within a faith-led, values-driven Trust. The Trust has been shaped by the shared vision and commitment of nine schools, which have worked closely together over the past 18 months to lay the foundation for this new partnership.

On 1 October, seven schools will formally join the Trust, with an eighth school set to follow on 1 November. The ninth school is currently preparing to begin its journey toward joining CDLT in the coming months.

To lead this exciting new chapter, the Diocesan Board of Education has seconded Sue Noakes, Deputy Director of Education, as the Trust’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Sue has been working alongside school leaders to shape the Trust’s ethos and direction.

CDLT is also delighted to welcome Andrew Warren as Chair of the Board. Recently retired as Regional Director for the Department for Education in the West Midlands, Andrew brings extensive experience in the academy sector and a deep personal commitment to Christian education.

The Trust’s vision was developed through collaborative visioning sessions with headteachers, chairs of governors, and trustees.

‘Saint Paul teaches, ‘the body is not made up of one part but of many.’

Chester Diocesan Learning Trust recognises and nurtures the unique gifts, skills and talents within our whole community.

Collaboration and diversity are at the heart of CDLT, with each school maintaining its individuality while being united under a shared purpose.

The Trust’s new logo (below)was inspired by an art day where children creatively interpreted the vision, resulting in a vibrant and meaningful design that reflects the Trust’s values.

The founding schools include:

• Bebington St Andrew’s CE Primary School (Wirral)

• Birkenhead Christ Church CE Primary School (Wirral – will be consulting on the proposal soon)

• Capenhurst CE Primary School (Cheshire West and Chester)

• Davenham CE Primary School (Cheshire West and Chester)

• Hoole CE Primary School (Cheshire West and Chester)

• Hoylake Holy Trinity CE Primary School (Wirral)

•  Lower Peover (due to convert on 1^st November Cheshire West and Chester)

• St Bridget's, West Kirby (Wirral)

Chair, Andrew Warren said: “Over the past 18 months I have really enjoyed working more closely with this group of schools. I'm now really looking forward to developing this further as we come together more formally as an academy trust. Each school and leader brings immense strength to the trust and being able to harness that strength for the good of all is such a privilege. Each school serves a unique community but at the heart of all is the church foundation so as we celebrate the differences we also come together as church schools to make a difference to children's lives with Christ as our example.

The Chester Diocesan Learning Trust looks forward to growing a community of schools rooted in faith, excellence, and shared learning.