The largest schools trust in Cumbria, Cumbria Education Trust (CET), is set to further expand, exploring the launch of a new hub in Kendal.

CET is in talks with The Queen Katherine School (QKS), in Kendal, which has 950 students

They are in talks to start a new southern hub for the multi-academy trust, which has already established similar school groups in the north and west of Cumbria.

The school reached out to CET to formally explore the possibility of joining.

CET already has three secondary schools - William Howard in Brampton, Workington Academy and The Whitehaven Academy.

CET presently oversees education for more than 4,500 youths.

Since its establishment in 2015, CET has expanded its reach to 13 schools, focusing on improvement, staff career progression and collaboration.

The CET model builds geographic hubs, as already done on the West Coast and Carlisle, for education from ages two-18, with primary schools feeding into secondaries.

Chief Executive, Lorrayne Hughes, said “We are delighted to have been asked to explore the possibility of QKS working with CET.

“It is a school with an excellent reputation and with a staff – like our own – dedicated to doing everything in their power to help young people achieve.

“We have been preparing for strategic growth over the last few years and are now well placed to work with QKS Headteacher, Jon Hayes, and his staff to looking at forming a southern hub.”

Mr Hayes says it would be an 'exciting next step' to join the trust.

He said: “QKS is a strong school which benefits all of its students and is achieving well by every measure, including this year’s excellent GCSE and A Level results.

“Joining with CET would open up new opportunities for cross-school work and support, further curriculum expansion, staff development, wider opportunities and increased resources for students and staff.

“It would also give us greater opportunities for working with our primary partners within the local area and I think this would be a great move for all concerned and education in the South Lakeland area in general.”

The school, currently part of The Fells Trust, has 117 members of staff, and 40 subjects for its students to study.

CET has also seen recent Ofsted success, with both The Whitehaven Academy and Castle Carrock Primary School improving to Good in their first inspections after joining the trust.