Woodingdean Primary School to Join Eko Trust Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights -

The Department for Education has approved the proposal for Woodingdean Primary School in Brighton to join the Eko Trust academy in early 2026. The decision was made after a two-year evaluation and a consultation period that was extended by Labour councillors, who expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the school leaving the local authority's control. Despite the controversy, the school's governors are optimistic about the future, citing the benefits of joining a strong and successful organization like Eko Trust.

Key Takeaways:

  • Woodingdean Primary School has been approved to join the Eko Trust academy in early 2026 after a two-year evaluation.
  • The school's governors have cited the benefits of joining Eko Trust, including access to wider resources and expertise, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with other schools.
  • Labour councillors Jacqui Simon and Jacob Allen expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the school leaving the local authority's control.
  • The school's consultation period was extended by two weeks, from four weeks to six weeks, to allow for more community feedback.
  • Woodingdean Primary School has been rated good by Ofsted twice in a row and has a distinct character, traditions, and culture unique to the community it serves.
  • Eko Trust is a primary and SEND trust of ten schools, including two in Brighton and Hove, which joined last year.
  • Gemma Chumnansin, headteacher at Woodingdean Primary School, emphasized the excitement and opportunities ahead for pupils, families, and staff.

Statistics:

  • The consultation period was extended by two weeks, from four weeks to six weeks.
  • Woodingdean Primary School has been rated good by Ofsted twice in a row.
  • Eko Trust is a primary and SEND trust of ten schools.
  • Two schools in Brighton and Hove, Hangleton and Benfield, joined Eko Trust last year.
  • Early 2026 is the target date for Woodingdean Primary School to join Eko Trust.

Sources:

  • "Woodingdean Primary School to join academy trust despite Labour concerns". Byline: Savannah Nicholson.