Education shake-up set to see Melton Vale Post 16 Centre and Brooksby Melton College unite

Both MV16 and Belvoir High are currently part of the single Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust (BMAT).

But earlier this year the trust consulted on proposals to separate MV16 and Belvoir High, with the preferred option for MV16 to join the Mowbray Education Trust, a multi-academy trust which currently has responsibility for Melton’s John Ferneley College and four local primaries, and for Bottesford-based Belvoir High to join the Priory Federation of Academies Trust, an overarching multi-academy trust which currently has three academies in Lincoln and one in Grantham.

But now, following the conclusion of a consultation on the future of the Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust, it has announced proposals for MV16 to become part of Brooksby Melton College instead.

Subject to final approval, the new arrangement would see MV16 remain where it is on Burton Road, retaining its branding, but become part of Brooksby Melton College with both education providers working as a team.

A statement issued by the trust this week said: “The objective has always been to secure the future of both Belvoir High School and MV16 at a time when education provision funding is changing. Maintaining provision within Melton and the Vale of Belvoir has been a key consideration.

“We thank the Mowbray Education Trust, Priory Federation of Academies Trust and Brooksby Melton College for devoting time and resources to presenting their proposals.

“Having fully considered the proposals the Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust believes that, based on the information provided, Belvoir High School would best be placed within the Priory Federation of Academies Trust and that MV16 provision will best be placed within Brooksby Melton College.

“Recognising that Brooksby Melton College is a further education provider, the trust feels that the range and mix of vocational and academic choices that would be available to MV16 and potential post-16 students would open up major opportunities that do not exist elsewhere in the region.

“This decision is subject to the conclusion of the due diligence process and it is hoped that this will be finalised within the next few weeks.

“Further information will be shared with students, staff, parents and the community as soon as it is available.”

Brooksby Melton College principal Chris Ball told the Melton Times: “To the outside world there will be no change. MV16 will stay as it is from a branding point of view. The college wants to protect the quality and reputation of the sixth form centre.”

As previously reported in the Melton Times, the Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust said that ‘changes in personnel, funding and a need to be future-focused’ had led the trustees to look at the potential future of MV16 and Belvoir High. The trustees had claimed that MV16 and Belvoir High joining new academy trusts would ‘ensure their financial viability’ as well as offering other benefits.

As reported in the Melton Times in January, the Belvoir and Melton Academy Trust had invited staff at MV16 and Belvoir High to apply for voluntary redundancy to help reduce a potential £500,000 funding shortfall by 2018.

In its statement issued this week the trust said: “The trust and governing body recognise that the success of both centres is due to the dedication of staff, despite the uncertainty of the academy over the past year. “During this time, staff have delivered high quality teaching and learning and this has been reflected in the excellent achievements of the students. We are grateful to the staff for their continued loyalty and hard work.”

Subject to approval it’s understood the new arrangements for MV16 and Belvoir High could be in place by September 1 this year.

Anyone who would like to share their views regarding the trust’s latest statement can email [email protected] or call (01949) 845017 and leave a message.