Joining GMAT – Stakeholder Consultation Information & Feedback

A message from Mrs Lord and the Governing Board

For more than a year, Irk Valley Community School has been exploring whether joining Greater Manchester Academies Trust (GMAT) would help us continue to provide the very best education, support and opportunities for our children and families.

During this time, governors and leaders have undertaken extensive due diligence, including reviewing governance, finance, school improvement, staffing, estates, safeguarding and trust culture. We have met with trust leaders to understand how GMAT operates.

We are now at a stage where the Department for Education (DfE) is considering our application to move to the next stage of the process.

Before governors make any final decision, we want to make sure that parents, carers, staff and the wider community have an opportunity to understand the proposal and share their views.

Our Vision for Irk Valley

At Irk Valley, everything we do starts with our children and our community.

Our vision describes Irk Valley as:

"An oasis of kindness, a warm beacon of hope."

We want every child to feel safe, valued and supported. We want children to flourish, develop strong roots, grow in confidence and leave us ready for a world full of opportunities. We believe every child is unique and that everyone has a place in our valley.

Our consideration of joining GMAT is not about changing this vision.

It is about asking:

How do we make sure Irk Valley remains strong enough to deliver this vision for many years to come?

Our Values

Everything at Irk Valley is built around our values:

• Curiosity
• Collaboration
• Kindness
• Learning
• Respect

Governors believe these values are closely aligned with those of GMAT and have been an important part of discussions throughout the due diligence process. Both organisations place children, families and communities at the centre of decision-making.

Why Are We Considering Joining GMAT?

Irk Valley is a successful and caring school. We are proud of our staff, our children and our families.

However, schools are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Children have growing needs, schools face significant staffing and financial challenges, and expectations on schools continue to increase.

Governors are therefore considering whether being part of a larger organisation would help us:

• Strengthen support for children and families
• Improve access to specialist expertise
• Increase capacity in areas such as SEND, safeguarding, attendance and school improvement
• Share expertise with schools serving similar communities
• Improve long-term sustainability
• Reduce pressure on school leaders through shared services and support
• Create more opportunities for staff development and collaboration

These are some of the potential benefits governors are weighing carefully as part of their final consideration.

Why GMAT?

Over the past year we have developed a strong working relationship with GMAT.

GMAT currently consists of:

• Manchester Communication Academy
• Manchester Communication Primary Academy

Throughout the process we have found strong alignment between:

• Community values
• Inclusion
• Support for vulnerable families
• School improvement
• Staff development
• Long-term ambition for children and young people

Governors believe GMAT understands schools and communities like ours and has shown a genuine respect for Irk Valley's identity and culture.

What Happens Next?

Friday 10 July

Feedback process opens.

Thursday 16 July

John Rowlands, CEO of GMAT, will be available in school for informal conversations and questions from 8am.

Friday 31 July

Stakeholder feedback closes.

By the end of July

The Department for Education is expected to confirm whether the proposal progresses to the next stage.

September

Governors will review:

• All due diligence information
• Financial and operational information
• Staff feedback
• Parent feedback
• DfE feedback

Governors will then make their final decision about whether joining GMAT is in the best interests of Irk Valley Community School.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has a decision already been made?

No.

Governors have undertaken significant due diligence and submitted an Expression of Interest. However, governors have not yet made a final decision about whether Irk Valley should join GMAT.

This period of engagement is one of the ways governors are gathering information before making that final decision.

Why are parents being asked for feedback?

Because governors want to understand the views, questions and concerns of the school community before reaching a final decision.

All feedback will be considered alongside other evidence gathered throughout the process.

Is this a vote?

No.

This is not a referendum or vote.

The purpose of this engagement is to help governors understand stakeholder views and identify any questions or concerns they should take into account when making their decision.

Will Irk Valley keep its name?

Yes.

There are currently no plans to change the school's name.

Will the uniform change?

No changes are planned to the school uniform.

Will my child have to move school?

No.

Children will continue attending Irk Valley Community School.

Will my child have to go to Manchester Communication Academy?

No.

Joining GMAT would not determine which secondary school your child attends.

Secondary school admissions would continue to follow the normal admissions process.

Will teachers change?

There are no plans to make changes to teaching staff because of this proposal.

Your child would continue to be taught by Irk Valley staff.

Will the Headteacher change?

No changes are planned.

Will the school values change?

No.

Our vision, values and commitment to our community would remain central to everything we do.

Will the school become the same as the other schools in the trust?

No.

GMAT has been clear that schools keep their individual identity, culture and community connections.

What does this mean for staff?

At this stage, nothing changes.

If the process were to progress further, any formal employment matters would be dealt with through separate statutory consultation processes at a later stage.

Is this being considered because of money?

Financial sustainability is one factor governors consider, but it is not the only factor.

Governors are also considering:

• Educational outcomes
• Staffing
• Leadership capacity
• Support for children and families
• Long-term sustainability
• School improvement opportunities

The primary consideration is always what is best for our children.

How can I ask questions?

You can:

• Complete the feedback form
• Speak to school leaders
• Speak to governors
• Attend one of the opportunities to meet with John Rowlands during his visit to school

Share Your Views

We welcome your thoughts, questions and feedback.

Feedback Form Link:

Feedback will remain open until 31 July 2026

Thank you for taking the time to engage with this important process. Every response will be considered by governors as part of their final consideration of the proposal.

Questions?

We understand that you may have questions about the information on this page.

If there is something you would like to ask, please contact the school and your enquiry will be passed to the Headteacher.

For the attention of the Headteacher
📧 admins@irkvalley.manchester.sch.uk

We will continue to update this page and the Frequently Asked Questions section as new questions arise.