A SCHOOL in Blackburn has become the latest to join the Church of England in Lancashire’s academy trust.

St Aidan’s Primary School has joined others across the region to become a member of the Cidari Multi-Academy Trust.

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The trust was set up last year by the Diocesan Board of Education for The Church of England in Lancashire.

The Norfolk Street school becomes the latest in East Lancashire to join the trust following St Luke and St Philip’s Primary School in Blackburn.

Control of Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Blackburn was passed to the Church of England last year as part of a move to join the trust.

Talks between the Dioceses of Blackburn and Salford lasted six months before the school became the first to switch denominations in order to stay open.

St James’s Primary School in St James Crescent and St Barnabas Primary School in Knowsley Road, both in Darwen, are also members of the trust.

The conversion process for St Aidan’s in Mill Hill began in early 2014 and the school was officially welcomed during a visit last week by representatives of Cidari, including chief executive Liz Agbettoh.

Mrs Agbettoh said: “I am delighted to welcome St Aidan’s into the Cidari Multi Academy Trust.

“I am looking forward to getting to know the staff and working with them as part of the Cidari family of schools.”

Rachel Senior, head teacher of St Aidan’s said: “As a school that encourages and celebrates a love of learning, where each pupil is known and cared about as an individual we are delighted to be joining Cidari.

“The school is a calm, purposeful environment that embraces all learners. The school has the highest expectations for each and every member of our school community.

“The teachers and support staff are dedicated, high-performing professionals who go the extra mile in order to make a difference to pupils’ lives.”

Outside of East Lancashire the Cidari Trust also runs St George’s High School in Blackpool.

According to its website the trust works closely and collaboratively with all its schools to ensure that a strong caring ethos is offered alongside a clear moral purpose and inclusive values..