Cornwall Education Learning Trust

Cornwall Education Learning Trust
Name	Cornwall Education Learning Trust
Type	Multi-academy trust
Established	2017
Location	Cornwall, England
Key people	Steve Double (Patron), John Evans (CEO)
Schools	17
Website	https://www.celt.org.uk/

Cornwall Education Learning Trust. It is a prominent multi-academy trust operating across the county of Cornwall, established to oversee and support a family of primary and secondary schools. The trust was formed with the core mission of driving educational improvement and fostering collaboration between member institutions, operating under the patronage of local MP Steve Double. Its central office is based in St Austell, serving as the hub for its executive leadership and school improvement services.

Overview

The trust functions as a key educational provider within the South West England region, managing a diverse portfolio of academies across various communities in Cornwall. It operates under the formal oversight of the Department for Education and is a member of the Confederation of School Trusts. The organization’s structure is designed to provide centralized support in areas such as finance, human resources, and curriculum development, while empowering individual headteachers and local governing bodies. Its geographical footprint spans from Liskeard in the east to Penzance in the west, impacting thousands of pupils and staff.

History and formation

The trust was formally incorporated in 2017, initially bringing together a small group of schools seeking the benefits of a collaborative structure. Its formation was part of a wider national trend towards academisation, supported by policies from the Conservative government. A significant early development was the joining of Bodmin College, a large secondary school, which provided a foundation for further expansion. The trust has since grown through a series of strategic conversions and partnerships, often involving schools previously under the authority of Cornwall Council.

Schools within the trust

The trust’s family includes 17 institutions, encompassing both secondary and primary phases. Notable secondary academies within the group are Bodmin College, Fowey River Academy, and Poltair School. Its primary schools serve numerous towns and villages, including St Stephen-in-Brannel, Grampound, and Mevagissey. Each member school retains its unique identity and history, such as Trenance Learning Academy in Newquay and Sticker Primary School, while benefiting from shared trust-wide resources and professional development networks.

Governance and leadership

Ultimate accountability rests with the board of trustees, which includes individuals with expertise in fields such as law, finance, and Ofsted inspection. The board is chaired by an experienced professional and includes representatives from the Diocese of Truro. Day-to-day executive leadership is provided by Chief Executive Officer John Evans, supported by a central team based in St Austell. Each academy has its own local governing body, which holds responsibility for standards and community liaison, operating within the framework set by the Academies Financial Handbook.

Educational approach and curriculum

The trust promotes a broad and balanced curriculum aligned with the National Curriculum for England, while encouraging specialisms in areas such as STEM and the creative arts. It emphasizes evidence-informed teaching practices, often drawing on research from institutions like the Education Endowment Foundation. A key strategic focus is on developing literacy and numeracy from the Early Years Foundation Stage through to GCSE and A-Level studies. Collaborative projects between trust schools, such as shared drama productions or science fairs, are a regular feature of its pedagogical model.

Community engagement and partnerships

The organization maintains strong links with local businesses, Cornwall College, and the University of Exeter to enrich student opportunities. It is an active participant in regional initiatives like the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership. Community events, such as public lectures and sports festivals, are frequently hosted at its larger academy sites. The trust also partners with national charities, including the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the Woodland Trust, to support environmental and civic projects across its schools.

Category:Multi-academy trusts in England Category:Educational organisations based in Cornwall Category:Organisations based in St Austell