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Academy Consultation

Introduction

We are pleased to share with you an important step forward for SMRT as we look to secure a strong and vibrant future for the School within a changing local educational landscape. The SMRT Governing Body is committed to exploring the best options for our School, and as part of that commitment, Governors have been assessing whether SMRT should remain as one of only two remaining Local Authority secondary schools in Bristol or explore joining a Multi-Academy Trust. After much evaluation, the Governing Body has decided to take the next step along the process toward deciding whether to join a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) or remain as a Local Authority Voluntary Aided School. 

This page has information regarding the Consultation Schedule and process we are embarking on with you as the School takes this key decision.

Letters Concerning the Academy Consultation

 Conditional Consent to Consider Academy Conversion - Parents and Carers - 01/12/25

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Academy Conversion and Joining a Trust

Consultation Schedule

The 10-week consultation period, excluding school and public holidays, officially opens at 4pm on 2 December 2025. We have extended the period of consultation beyond the statutory 6 weeks to provide as much time as possible for reflection and feedback, and this will close on Thursday 5 March at 4pm.

The dates of the consultation schedule are subject to change. For the latest information, refer to the table below. We will keep all stakeholders updated about any changes.

Key:
LSP – Lighthouse Schools Partnership
SMRT – St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School

Date Stakeholder Details Time Who

Tuesday 2
December

All

Email consultation opens for staff / parents and carers / community.

N/A

Email for parents, carers and community feedback:
Academyconsultationcommunity@smrt.bristol.sch.uk

Email address for staff feedback:
Academyconsultationstaff@smrt.bristol.sch.uk

Tuesday 9 December

School-based union representatives and Staff Governor

Informal meeting for School-based Union Representatives and Staff Governor to meet with LSP colleagues and SMRT Headteacher.

In person.

TBC

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Tania Newman (Director of HR)

SMRT
Staff Governor
School-based union representatives

Monday 12 January

 

Staff

 

 

 

 

 

Presentation and Q&A for SMRT staff.

In person.

 

 

3:30–4:45pm

 

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Louise Malik (Chief Financial and Operating Officer)
Natalie Wilcox (Director of Secondary Education)
Tania Newman (Director of HR)

SMRT
Governors
Headteacher

Monday 12 January

 

Parents/carers and community

 

Presentation and Q&A for SMRT parents and carers and community stakeholders.

In person.

 

5:30–6:30pm

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Louise Malik (Chief Financial and Operating Officer)
Natalie Wilcox (Director of Secondary Education)
Tania Newman (Director of HR)

SMRT
Governors
Headteacher

Friday 30 January

 

Students

 

 

Presentation and Q&A for SMRT student representatives.

In person.

 

TBC

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Louise Malik (Chief Financial and Operating Officer)
Natalie Wilcox (Director of Secondary Education)

SMRT
Governors
Headteacher
School leaders

Tuesday 3 February

 

Parents/carers and community

 

Mop up Presentation and Q&A for SMRT parents and carers and community stakeholders.

Online webinar.

 

6:00–7:00pm

 

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Louise Malik (Chief Financial and Operating Officer)
Natalie Wilcox (Director of Secondary Education)

SMRT
Governors
Headteacher

Tuesday 3 February

Staff

INSET Day

TBC – Opportunity for further staff engagement.

TBC

Governors

Thursday 5 February

 

Staff

 

Mop-up session.

Presentation and Q&A for SMRT staff.

In person.

 

3:004:45pm

 

LSP
Gary Lewis (Chief Executive Officer)
Louise Malik (Chief Financial and Operating Officer)
Tania Newman (Director of HR)

SMRT
Governors
Headteacher

 

Contact us

St. Mary Redcliffe and Temple School
Somerset Square, Bristol, BS1 6RT

0117 3772100

enquiries@smrt.bristol.sch.uk