Three Wharfedale primary schools and one in Silsden are to apply to convert to become academies as part of the Moorlands Learning Trust which runs Ilkley Grammar School and The Skipton Academy.
Governors of Ashlands Primary in Ilkley, Burley Oaks Primary, Menston Primary and Silsden Primary have been working on the plans behind the scenes for several weeks, and say there are 'positive opportunities' to be had from closer partnership working within the multi-academy trust.
The four schools would join as founding primary partner schools, but maintain their own individual identities.
Moorlands Learning Trust was formed on 1st July 2017, when Ilkley Grammar School converted its single academy trust to multi-academy trust status. The Skipton Academy then joined from 1st December 2019.
Helen Williams, CEO of Moorlands Learning Trust said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be moving forward with this partnership project with local primary schools.
"MLT has always been focused on working with and supporting local schools and communities and as our work is already heavily focused in the Ilkley, Wharfe Valley and Craven areas, this new partnership with local primary schools is the perfect next step forward for us all.
"We can’t wait to get started on the next phase of MLT’s work and know that over the coming years, with the addition of these new schools to our Trust, MLT will continue to go from strength to strength, and will be able to make an even more positive impact on our local communities and beyond!”
It's understood that consultation with staff, pupils and parents at the four primary schools will take place in the coming weeks, with a view to them joining the Trust in time for the start of the next academic year in September 2023.