The Weydon Multi Academy Trust (MAT) is to extend its reach into Hampshire for the first time with Crondall Primary School hoping to join the Farnham-based MAT as a “pioneer primary” this autumn.

Crondall Primary School received notification at the end of June that its application to join Weydon MAT had been successful.

The school and MAT will now start formal proceedings which they hope will be completed by October 1.

Crondall will become the first primary school to be part of Weydon MAT, joining Weydon School, Heath End School, Woolmer Hill School, Rodborough School, The Ridgeway School, The Abbey School and the Park School in Woking.

The i2i teaching training provider is also a member of the MAT.

The process for Crondall Primary to become an academy and join the MAT began in January this year, following a successful consultation period with staff, parents and children.

The headteacher and the governing body listened to feedback from all members of its community before proceeding with the application.

John Winter, chief executive officer of Weydon MAT, said: “The values and vision of Crondall Primary School governors and leadership team align with those of our trust and therefore we are convinced that both the school and the trust will benefit from Crondall School becoming a pioneer primary member of WMAT.

“The school may be small, but it has huge ambition and drive to become an even greater source of pride for the village and the brilliant surrounding communities that it serves”.

Jo Leatham, headteacher of Crondall Primary School, said: “I am looking forward to seeing Crondall Primary School flourish and grow, as part of a new extended family. 

“I firmly believe we will be ‘Stronger Together’ while maintaining our unique identity as a successful village school.”