Staff, pupils and parents at Lower Heath Primary School have been visited as part of their preparations to become part of the Marches Academy.

The school, which is off Shrewsbury Road, will join with the Marches in Oswestry plus Sir John Talbot's in Whitchurch, in the coming weeks.

The chief executive officer of The Marches, Sarah Longville, visited this week to outline the future of the school, explaining its opportunities as part of the Trust.

“This is an exciting time as there is a drive nationally towards collaboration between schools, and with Lower Heath CE School joining, it complements our family of schools in north Shropshire," she said.

"The Trust has a common aim of giving the children a first-class education and we will ensure Lower Heath remains the school of choice locally.”

Mrs Longville presented to an assembly to welcome the school to the Trust, while the pupils took part in worship.

She also explained how the school would be able to benefit from the partnership with others in the area.

Deborah Sadler, headteacher at Lower Heath, added: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of the Trust and the exciting opportunities it will bring for the staff, pupils and wider community.

"It was wonderful to welcome Mrs Longville today and we cannot wait for what the rest of this academic year brings, as well as the years to come.

"It truly is an exciting time to be a part of the Marches Academy Trust.”