AN education trust merger intended to help improve a number of West Somerset schools fell through on Monday (February 24) after two years of talks.

Minehead-based Beacon Education was to have merged with the larger Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT) last September.

But the deal did not go through and has now been cancelled because there was not enough funding to make it work.

Beacon has hundreds of pupils aged up to 13 years attending its eight schools and nurseries across the district.

The merger was ‘encouraged’ by the Department for Education’s (DfE) after Beacon was served with ‘warning notices’ for Minehead Middle School and Minehead First School.

BWMAT chairman Pamela Cosh said: “A great deal has been achieved through this working relationship.

“Beacon schools have had positive visits from Ofsted and lots of areas of school life have been strengthened and enhanced.

“We have valued and benefitted from the input and ideas colleagues from across Beacon have shared with us.

“It was always our hope and intention to formalise our working relationship with Beacon by welcoming the schools into BWMAT.

“However, it has become clear that the level of funding for us to achieve this was not available, and we are mindful of our responsibility to our existing schools and their communities.

“While we appreciate the steps the DfE has taken to try to address this shortfall, unfortunately the trustees have had to make the difficult decision to step away from continuing to work with Beacon.

“We are deeply saddened to have to make this decision, particularly because a great deal has been achieved through our working relationship, both for Beacon schools and for us.

“We wish all the schools in Beacon Education the very best on the next stage of their journey.

“They have a huge amount to offer their communities, and we hope they will go from strength-to-strength in the future.”

The Beacon trust has one of the largest catchment areas in England, stretching from Devon across Exmoor to the Quantock Hills, and also runs Danesfield School, St Peter’s First School, and St Peter’s Nursery, in Williton, St Michael’s First School and King Edward Road Nursery, in Minehead, and Old Cleeve First School.

Beacon chairman Andy Giles said: “While this represents a shift in our immediate plans, it is important to highlight the significant progress made across our schools.

“Beacon schools have received positive feedback from Ofsted, recognising improvements in leadership, curriculum, and the overall learning environment.

“These improvements, alongside broader enhancements across all areas of school life, are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff and leadership teams.

“We are working constructively with colleagues from the Diocese of Bath and Wells and DfE to consider options for long-term and sustainable future partnerships.

“We are excited about the future and the opportunities ahead.”

Diocese education director Ed Gregory said: “We will, along with the DfE, continue to work with and support Beacon as they consider their next steps for the benefit of all the children it serves.”