An Oldham primary school has converted to an academy this month.

Academies still receive government funding but have more control over how they do things.

For example, academies do not have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times.

Following the school’s application to the Department of Education (DfE) and consultation process, Broadfield Primary School, located on Goddard Street, joined The Pinnacle Learning Trust on April 1.

Oher schools in the trust include Oldham Sixth Form College, Werneth Primary School, and The Hathershaw College.

The Pinnacle Learning Trust was established in September 2017.

Keen to highlight the many benefits in being part of the trust, Patricia Stennett, headteacher at Broadfield Primary School, said: “This will give us the opportunity to collaborate, share best practice, ideas and resources.

“The partnership will certainly create more opportunities for our children, staff and local community. This is definitely an exciting time for our school.”

Jayne Clarke, executive principal at The Pinnacle Learning Trust, said: “Broadfield Primary is a fantastic school, and we are delighted that staff and Governors have chosen to join our trust.

"There are so many mutual benefits in working together, and our shared commitment to supporting pupils to achieve means this is a natural partnership.

“Broadfield has worked closely with Hathershaw and OSFC for many years, and coming together within our Trust will further enhance our opportunities to work together, with Werneth Primary too, to the advantage of everyone involved.”