The Painswick Road based school with 825 pupils aged 11 to 16, has joined the Greenshaw Learning Trust.

Gloucester Academy joined the White Horse Federation back in March 2015 after the closure of its previous trust, Prospects Academies Trust, which left the futures of six schools across the country hanging in the balance.

After more than five years operating within the partnership, the school has said that following discussions with the Department of Education (DfE) and the White Horse Federation, it was agreed that it would be in best interests to now join the Greenshaw Learning Trust. 

Greenshaw Learning Trust said that the move will benefit from close collaboration with the trust's local schools, including Henley Bank High School in Brockworth and Holmleigh Park High School in Tuffley.

Since January 2020, senior staff of the Greenshaw Learning Trust have been working with the White Horse Federation, the DfE and Gloucester Academy to consult with the community and prepare the school for transfer.

The necessary arrangements were concluded, and the school formally joined the Greenshaw Learning Trust today (June 1). The Greenshaw Learning Trust has provided senior leadership support since February 2020 and the interim headmaster of Gloucester Academy, Jonathan Heap will continue permanently in the post.

Will Smith, CEO of the Greenshaw Learning Trust, said: "Gloucester Academy has joined a 'family' of like-minded schools that collaborate to provide mutual support.

"The Greenshaw Learning Trust has the experience and capacity to provide the support the school needs as it continues its journey of improvement and to enable students to fulfil their potential now and in the future."