A NEW multi-academy trust has marked its first anniversary with a special ceremony. 

The North Cotswold Schools Federation Trust, which combines four primary schools, was officially blessed by the church to mark its first year.

The trust combines St James & Ebrington (Federated) Primary School in Chipping Campden, Swell CE Primary School in Lower Swell, Longborough CE Primary School near Moreton-in-Marsh and Cold Aston CE Primary School near Cheltenham. 

Evesham Journal: Pupils from Longborough C Of E Primary School in Moreton-in-Marsh.Pupils from Longborough C Of E Primary School in Moreton-in-Marsh. (Image: NCSF)Each school had gathered for the blessing at St James' Church in Chipping Campden, and pupils took turns reading a few words.

The four schools had first combined in October 2022.

Evesham Journal: Pupils inside St James' Church in Chipping Campden.Pupils inside St James' Church in Chipping Campden. (Image: NCSF)Jackie Buckland, CEO of North Cotswold Schools Federation Trust, said: "The NCSF Multi-Academy Trust had a Blessing at St James' Church, led by Reverend Craig Bishop, a year after they formally became a Multi-Academy Trust.

"This was a significant event and the first time they have brought all of their Trust family – Cold Aston, Longborough, St James' & Ebrington and Swell together.

"It was a wonderful chance to celebrate what makes each school special but also what makes them collectively special as a whole Trust family."