Today, Charles Dickens Primary School (CDPS) joins The Charter Schools Educational Trust following a period of successful collaboration and close consultation throughout 2020.

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This news marks the start of the next chapter for The Charter Schools Educational Trust, further delivering on its mission to provide outstanding and inclusive education through effective collaboration. CDPS is the first primary school to join the Trust, bringing new potential to share, develop and work together across educational phases, and to serve local communities across Southwark.

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Mrs Cassie Buchanan, Headteacher of Charles Dickens Primary School since 2012, became CEO of the Trust in April 2020. She will continue to combine this role with that of Executive Headteacher of CDPS. Mr Michael Eggleton will become Head of School at Charles Dickens Primary School, while Ms Jemima Rhys Evans will become Head of Primary Curriculum and Standards for the Trust.

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Claire Maugham, Co-Chair of Governors at Charles Dickens Primary School, will join the Trust Board.

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Cassie Buchanan said: “I am so pleased to be taking this next exciting step, which will open up more and more potential for collaboration between schools as we work together to provide exceptional and inclusive education. Schools face greater challenges than ever before as we support our communities through current times, and I am delighted to be starting the next academic year as part of a wider family.”

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John Godfrey, Chair of the Trust Board, said: “The Trust is committed to being a compact family of schools, responsive to our local communities.  With primary and secondary schools working alongside each other, there are even more possibilities to provide exceptional education for all, and we are excited about the next steps we will take together.”