A SIXTH Barnsley school has joined the Astrea Academy Trust.

The Goldthorpe-based Dearne ALC joins the multi-academy trust, which also operates Netherwood Academy and Carrfield, Gooseacre, Highgate and The Hill primary schools.

“Governors and senior leaders are thrilled to have joined Astrea Academy Trust,” Joanne Wilson, principal of The Dearne, said.

“The decision offers students, staff and families significant opportunities to work even more closely with our partner schools to ensure we offer an outstanding education for all children from age two to 16 across the Dearne Valley.

“We are developing a 2020 Vision of Excellence at The Dearne that places ‘Empowering Belief’ at the heart of everything we do.

This is an exciting time for the school to further innovate within Astrea’s ambitious and forward-thinking philosophies. There are even greater times ahead for The Dearne.”

Astrea chief executive Libby Nicholas said: “We are absolutely delighted that The Dearne has joined our growing family of schools. At Astrea, we are absolutely passionate about delivering an education that ‘inspires beyond measure’.

“We focus on academic excellence, supported by the broadest range of enrichment opportunities encompassing arts, sports, music, debating, leadership and the community. We have worked with Joanna Wilson and her team for some time and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education throughout their time with us.”

Established in 2015, Astrea operates primary, secondary and all-through schools in South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire.

The Dearne joins 26 academies in the trust in South Yorkshire and in Cambridgeshire.