YATE Academy has now officially left troubled school trust The Ridings Federation behind.

The school, previously known as Yate International Academy, has now officially re-brokered sponsorship with a new trust.

When, at the end of last year, the trust which ran Yate International Academy and Winterbourne International Academy (WIA) racked up debts of more than £1 million, the future of the two schools was uncertain. But now, after five years of working with WIA and The Ridings Federation, Yate Academy has entered a new era of stability by joining the Greenshaw Learning Trust. 

The move has seen widespread support from parents, staff and students.

Greenshaw Learning Trust currently operates 10 schools in the South East of England, but due to their success, were invited to set up a hub of schools to work together in the South West, and in particular in South Gloucestershire and Gloucestershire.

From September 1, Greenshaw formerly accepted Yate Academy into its trust. And last week, it was confirmed that The Ridings’ other school, Winterbourne International Academy, will join the Olympus Academy Trust next year.

Will Smith, chief executive of Greenshaw, said: “We are delighted that Yate Academy has joined our trust and we’re thrilled to have started work with parents, students and staff.

“Whilst recently there have been a range of improvements within the school, we want to accelerate that development and ensure that Yate Academy quickly develops to be one of the most successful schools within both the region, and indeed the country.

“We have a whole range of expertise and experience and look forward to working closely with everyone involved at Yate.”

Paul Skipp, principal of Yate Academy, said: “This is really exciting time for our local community, staff and students.

“Having further support and resources from a successful trust will ensure the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”