Academy and school in a new partnership

Following the retirement of Val Ellar, headteacher of The Lawns Nursery School and Children’s Centre, it and Biggleswade Academy will be developing a closer partnership over the summer term.

Bernard Briars, chairman of the Lawns’ governing body, said: “The Lawns is an outstanding resource for our whole town and securing its future within the current climate is a key priority.”

He added: “After considering various options we feel that we will best secure our future by working with Biggleswade Academy in the first instance and other Biggleswade Community Union of Schools members until future arrangements are made.”

Gary Waghorn, chair of Biggleswade Academy Trust Directors, said: “Biggleswade Academy is constantly striving for outstanding outcomes in everything that we do.

“We therefore welcomed the approach from The Lawns as a great opportunity to support our work with an outstanding nursery and children’s centre.”

Biggleswade Academy principal Steve Phillps will act as executive head for the Lawns.