Parents of children at the village school received a note last Friday saying that funding problems mean that the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust (DBAT) that runs South Marston school will be wound up.
Our school is one of several DBAT schools in the Swindon area that will either be taken back by the Borough or, possibly more likely, placed with another Trust.
I have spoken to a member of the school’s Local Board and received assurance from the DBAT School Development Officer that they aim for “a ‘good end’ and a strong start for our schools under their new management homes”.
I am assured that the change will have no immediate impact on the school. However, it will be a challenge for Swindon’s Education Department, who oversee the provision of schooling in the Borough, and the arrangements for the school’s expansion will need readjusting.
Colin McEwen
Chair, South Marston Parish Council