Oxclose Primary and Oxclose Community Academies Join Laidlaw Schools Trust

Laidlaw Schools Trust Welcomes Oxclose Academies to the Family

We are thrilled to announce that Oxclose Primary Academy and Oxclose Community Academy, previously part of Discover Learning Trust, have officially merged with Laidlaw Schools Trust. This exciting development marks a new chapter in our shared mission to transform lives through extraordinary education in the North East.

The merger promises to bring enhanced opportunities for our pupils, parents, and communities. By becoming part of a larger multi-academy trust, we can leverage increased resources, collaboratively develop and share pedagogical best practices, and offer diverse professional development opportunities for our dedicated staff.

A Shared Vision for Extraordinary Education

Oxclose teams bring a wealth of experience in providing high quality innovative and inclusive education for its community. Together, we are poised to embrace this opportunity to grow through collaboration, share best practices across the Trust, and continually place students at the forefront of everything we do.

Sally Newton, Co-CEO of Laidlaw Schools Trust, expressed her enthusiasm about the merger:

“We’re so pleased to welcome the Discover Learning Trust to LST. This is a real opportunity to provide young people in the North East with bigger and better opportunities and for all of us to grow through collaboration. We will be welcoming all Discover Learning Trust teachers, staff, pupils, parents, carers, and governors to LST, and I look forward to building upon our joint vision to transform lives through extraordinary education.”

Paula Hegarty, Executive Principal of Discover Learning Trust, added:

“We chose Laidlaw Schools Trust as we have much in common. We share the same values and culture and are committed to developing communities.  We were immediately impressed with how they highly value our schools' individual character and unique identity and want to work to strengthen this in the future.  Both Trusts share the same vision to make a difference to our young people regardless of background and enable all to succeed in education, employment and life. We are very excited as to how our schools will improve further with support from Laidlaw Schools Trust.”