Case Studies
Venturers’ Academy
Pre-opening Support
Venturers’ Academy was Bristol’s first all-through special free school providing 84 places for students aged 4 -16. Venturers’ Academy is part of the Merchants’ Academy Trust and is sponsored by The Society of Merchant Venturers’ and The University of Bristol. Schools’ Buying Club was appointed to provide project management support for the pre-opening phase including advice on governance, education, finance, stakeholder consultation and the recruitment of the principal.
The Orchards
Pre-opening Support
The Orchards was the first special free school in Trafford and caters for 4 – 11 years old students with complex learning needs. The Orchards is operated by The Dunham Trust which also operates Elmridge Primary School and Acre Hall Primary School. The Dunham Trust appointed Schools’ Buying Club to provide project management support for the pre–opening phase including advice on governance, education, finance and stakeholder consultation.
Seva School
Pre-opening Support
Seva School was the first all-through Sikh faith school in Coventry. Schools’ Buying Club was appointed to provide project management support for the pre-opening phase including advice on governance, finance, stakeholder consultation and capital works.
Wynyard Primary School
Pre-opening Support
Wynyard Church of England Primary School opened in September 2015 as part of a new development at Wynyard. As a school serving a brand-new housing estate, the Trust were presented with significant challenges. Schools’ Buying Club was appointed to provide project management support for the pre-opening phase including advice on governance, education, finance and stakeholder consultation.
Derby Cathedral School
Pre-opening Support
Schools’ Buying Club has developed an ongoing relationship with Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) which was formed in response to the national academy and free school programmes. Schools’ Buying Club provided a comprehensive pre-opening service to the Trust, including principal designate recruitment, governance, finance, marketing, education policy development and section 10 consultation. Derby Cathedral school opened successfully in 2018 with 180 Year 7 students and was oversubscribed for the first year of operation. Schools’ Buying Club has continued to work with DDAT on a number of additional projects.
Christ Church Secondary Academy
Free School Application and Pre-opening Support
Schools’ Buying Club has developed an ongoing relationship with Birmingham Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust (BDMAT). We are currently supporting the pre-opening phase of Christ Church Secondary Academy after helping to produce the successful free schools application, and are looking forward to the establishment opening in September 2021. We are also advising and supporting BDMAT with the academisation processes.