Sheffield's most over-subscribed primary school joins Mercia Learning Trust

28th September 2023

Mercia Learning Trust is delighted to announce that Anns Grove Primary School will officially become a member of our Trust on 1st October. This significant development marks a milestone for both Anns Grove Primary School and Mercia Learning Trust, highlig

Anns Grove Primary School strongly aligns with Mercia Learning Trust's values and was once again recognised as a 'Good' school by Ofsted in March 2020. Currently accommodating 393 pupils, with a balanced 2-form entry in Early Years and Key Stage 1, and a 1.5-form entry in Key Stage 2, the school has increased its pupil admission number (PAN) into EYFS for the past three years due to community demand and oversubscription. The school takes pride in its excellent staff retention, boasting a dedicated team of 55 members.

Notably, Anns Grove Primary School has gained exceptional popularity, being the most over-subscribed primary school in Sheffield for both 2022 and 2023. In 2020, it was recognised as one of 'The Top 250' primary schools in the country by The Sunday Times, and was invited to participate in The Parliamentary Review as a best practice role model in the education sector.

Anns Grove headteacher, Ann Farrar, said: “Joining Mercia Learning Trust marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for our fantastic school. Anns Grove is a highly effective community school, with the needs of its pupils and families at its heart. We are confident that by joining this successful and forward-looking multi-academy trust will only improve our school further. I’d like to thank the governors, staff, families, and community for their support in getting us to this point.”

Mercia Learning Trust is a highly successful partnership of schools in the south of Sheffield, comprising King Ecgbert School, Mercia School, Newfield School, Woodlands Primary, Totley Primary, and Nether Edge Primary. Since its establishment in 2012 by King Ecgbert School, the trust has steadily grown and is committed to providing an exceptional education for all pupils, regardless of their background. The recent ‘Outstanding’ judgement by Ofsted for Mercia School and strong ‘Good’ judgements for sponsored schools, Woodlands Primary and Newfield School, reflect the trust's dedication to educational excellence.

Mercia Learning Trust’s CEO, Chris French, said: “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Anns Grove Primary School to build an even brighter future for our pupils and the wider community. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Anns Grove Primary School as they embark on this exciting journey within Mercia Learning Trust.”