A New Chapter of Growth and Partnership
We are delighted to welcome Desmond Anderson Primary Academy, Holmbush Primary Academy and Pound Hill Infant Academy to REAch2 Academy Trust.
Their journey to joining REAch2 began when the Trustees of University of Brighton Academies Trust sought a new sponsor for their schools, with a clear focus on long-term stability, sustained improvement and the very best outcomes for pupils, staff and communities. Following that process, the Department for Education identified REAch2 as the Trust best placed to provide that support. We are proud to have been entrusted with this next chapter.
At REAch2, children sit at the heart of everything we do. As the largest primary-only academy trust in the country, we bring deep experience in school improvement, leadership development and purposeful collaboration, grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves a truly great primary education. Our central and cluster teams work alongside schools to strengthen practice, offer thoughtful challenge and create the conditions in which leaders and teachers can focus on what matters most - delivering high-quality teaching and learning every day.
All three schools will join Cluster 7, a close-knit group of primaries built on collaboration, shared expertise and mutual support. Within this structure, schools benefit from experienced educational leadership and the confidence that comes from being part of a network committed to sustained success.
Justin Burtt, Deputy Director of Education for Cluster 7, said:
“We are excited and privileged to welcome Holmbush, Desmond Anderson and Pound Hill Infants to Cluster 7. The schools have already engaged positively in the transfer process and are keen to be part of our community. As they benefit from shared expertise across the Trust, we are confident they will feel connected and well supported.”
Headteachers across the three schools have expressed enthusiasm for this next step. There is a strong sense of shared ambition building on existing strengths while embracing the partnership, clarity and stability that Trust membership brings.
Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2, said:
“We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to everyone at Pound Hill Infant Academy, Desmond Anderson Primary Academy and Holmbush Primary Academy. It is a privilege to welcome them into our family of schools.
Growth, for us, is never about size alone. It is about strengthening our collective ability to serve children well.
