A PARTNERSHIP between two academy chains in South Gloucestershire has said it is “optimistic” of its bid to take over a troubled school in Winterbourne.

The Castle School Education Trust (CSET) and the Olympus Federation, which each oversee seven schools in the county, have been in talks to take over from the Ridings Federation, who run the Winterbourne and Yate International Academies.

The Ridings Federation has faced criticism over its leadership in recent months from Ofsted inspections as well as staff strikes and a forecasted £1 million shortfall in budget for next year

As part of their bid, a team from the two chains presented their vision for the future of the schools under their guidance to a group of trustees last night.

Speaking to the Gazette, CSET chief executive Will Roberts said that he was “optimistic” about the potential outcome of the bid, but added that it could take weeks to consider before a decision is reached.

He said: “I think this has been a really difficult time for the schools in the Ridings Federation and a turbulent time for their students and staff.

“It is an exciting proposal we have put forward and we are optimistic about having the chance to work with the schools.

“They are schools that have a considerable amount of potential and we are keen to work with them to restore them to their status as respected establishments in the community.”

It is understood by the Gazette that the partnership between CSET and Olympus would only look to work with Winterbourne International Academy.

The issues faced by the Ridings Federation have even been brought to central government, with Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall and Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti taking their concerns to Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening.

In a joint statement following the meeting, the pair said that the Secretary of State noted their concerns and that their next objective was to arrange a meeting with the regional schools commissioner.

Academy chain Oasis Community Learning, who had previously shown interest in Winterbourne International Academy, formally withdrew their bid following opposition from campaigners.

An Oasis spokesman said: “Following an extensive due diligence process and after careful consideration, we have decided not to proceed with our application to sponsor the academy.

We would like to thank the staff for their engagement during the due diligence process, and it was a pleasure to meet such bright and talented students. We wish the entire academy community all the very best for the future.”

In a joint statement, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates for Filton Bradley Stoke, Eva Lily Fielding, and Cllr Claire Young, the candidate for Thornbury and Yate, welcomed the news that Oasis Community Learning has withdrawn its bid.

They said: “They faced overwhelming opposition from parents, students, teachers and the local community. Well done to everyone involved in the campaign,” adding that it was not the end of the story, with further improvement needed to get the schools back on track.