Trust merger promises 'even higher quality education' for two Ipswich schools

Why it matters: Ravenswood Community Primary School and Rushmere Hall Primary School in Ipswich would become part of a larger organisation serving more than 9,100 pupils across London, Essex, Suffolk and Brighton.

Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture: The Compass Partnership of Schools and Eko Trust are planning to form The Compass Eko Partnership of Schools, pending approval from the Department for Education.

What they're saying: Paul Fykin, Headteacher at Rushmere Hall Primary School, said: "Joining forces with a like-minded and successful Trust gives us the opportunity to enhance what we already do so well. Through this merger, we'll be able to connect with a wider pool of knowledge and resources, helping us create even better experiences for both pupils and staff. It's a really positive move that sets the stage for long-term improvement and innovation."

Rebekah Iiyambo, CEO of Eko Trust, said: "Eko and Compass are aligned on ethos, values and commitment to excellence, and I am really excited about our schools going on to the next level as part of one Trust. Together, we will be a strong organisation that safeguards what our schools already do so well and allows us to build on that."

John Camp OBE, CEO of The Compass Partnership of Schools, added: "We are really excited by the prospect of merging with Eko – the new organisation will give us resilience and strength, open up new opportunities for our staff and most importantly will mean we are best placed to give our pupils an ever-higher quality of education and care."

Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: The new trust would include:

• 21 primary schools

• 4 special schools

• 9,100+ pupils across four regions

The details: The boards of trustees for both organisations have already approved the merger, which could take place from April 2026 if given the green light by the Department for Education.

The trusts already collaborate on school improvement initiatives and share HR operations. They cite shared values and a commitment to narrowing the gap for disadvantaged pupils.

What's next: If approved, the new organisation will be led collaboratively by John Camp OBE and Rebekah Liyambo, the current CEOs of Compass and Eko, respectively.

The bottom line: The merger aims to create new opportunities for staff development, expand networks for sharing best practice, and enhance educational experiences for pupils, while allowing schools to maintain their unique identities.