Three Counties Academy Trust is a small regional trust based in the northern part of Herefordshire and bordering both Worcestershire and Shropshire. Currently the trust comprises four schools.
Our lead school is Queen Elizabeth High School, a small 11-16 school with a PAN of 400 pupils based in Bromyard. Queen Elizabeth has been an academy since 2011 when it established “QEHC Academy Trust” which operated as a standalone trust until it accepted MAT articles and received sponsor school status in August 2022 and changed the trust name to the Three Counties Academy Trust.
On September 1st, 2022, St. Peter’s Primary School became an academy under a converter Academy Order and joined Three Counties Academy Trust. St. Peter’s is the largest of the primary schools to feed Queen Elizabeth and is located some 400 yards away from the secondary. Between September 2019 and August 2022, St. Peter’s entered into a Service Level Agreement with QEHC Academy Trust to provide Executive Leadership services and moved to a model with a Head of School.
On September 1st, 2022, Bredenbury Primary School became an academy under a Sponsored Academy Order and joined Three Counties Academy Trust. Bredenbury is a very small primary school based in the nearby village of Bredenbury and is located some 3 miles away from the secondary. Between January 2020 and August 2022, Bredenbury entered into a Service Level Agreement with QEHC Academy Trust to provide Executive Leadership services and moved to a model with a Head of School whilst they were placed within an OFSTED category and were subject to special measures. In July 2021, special measures were lifted following re-inspection by OFSTED.
On November 1st, 2023, Stoke Prior Primary School became an academy under a Sponsored Academy Order and joined Three Counties Academy Trust. Stoke Prior is a small primary school based in the nearby village of Stoke Prior and is located some 8 miles away from the secondary.
Three Counties Academy Trust allows these local schools to collaborate to improve the educational offer for their pupils. Over time, the trust seeks new entrants to the trust that will further strengthen and enhance local provision. The trust will engage in meaningful collaborative work with schools and trusts outside Three Counties Academy Trust where appropriate to do so. This collaboration will not be restricted by locality, and schools or trusts wishing to have conversations should approach the trust directly to do so.
As a rural trust, we have a very good insight into what makes small rural schools work, the challenges they face and what opportunities may be present for them. Our schools retain their individuality and the long and rich history they have is both respected and celebrated.
We work closely with all of our stakeholders and play a central role within our local community for the benefit of all.
Mr Martin Farmer BEd (hons), NPQH, NPQEL
Executive Headteacher/CEO Three Counties Academy Trust
