TWO Colchester primary schools which were rated inadequate by Ofsted have joined an academy trust.

Chappel Primary School and Fordham Primary School have both joined the LIFE Education Trust which has schools across London and Essex.

Both schools were handed inadequate Ofsted ratings when they were inspected in November last year.

At Chappel Primary School inspectors noted issues with leadership and teaching and said leaders did not follow up safeguarding concerns “effectively”.

Fordham Primary School was rated inadequate, having previously been rated outstanding at its previous inspection in 2008.

Pupils at the school in Mill Road, Fordham, were said to “mostly” enjoy their lessons but an inspector said arrangements for their safeguarding are “not effective”.

Since the inspections in November headteacher Ceri Daniels has been brought in to lead Fordham while Sarah Stevenson has taken over the helm at Chappel. 

Now both schools have joined the LIFE Education Trust.

Good rated Holy Trinity School, in Eight Ash Green, which is also led by Mrs Daniels is also joining the trust.

Trust chief executive Julian Dutnall said: “We are delighted to have Holy Trinity, Chappel and Fordham join the trust and welcome all colleagues, governors, parents, carers and pupils to the LIFE family.

“Our mission is to build great learning communities which unleash creativity and champion optimism, in a spirit of compassion and we look forward to bringing this ethos for education to the local communities.”

In a joint statement Mrs Daniels and Mrs Stevenson added: “This is such an exciting time for our schools as being part of LIFE brings fresh ideas, investment in resources and a huge network to support the school”.

A spokesman for LIFE Education said Holy Trinity initially approached the trust, having been interested in the benefits and support on offer.

They consulted with Essex headteachers already working with the trust and it was agreed the school would join.

The spokesman added Essex County Council contacted LIFE Education to ask if they could support the other two schools.