THE first primary to become a Diocese of Oxford Academy has opened.

John Henry Newman Academy, in Littlemore, is Oxford’s first primary academy, moving to the status just months after coming out of special measures.

While the Diocese already sponsors one old-style academy, The Oxford Academy in Littlemore, this is the first primary and first to join the new Oxford Diocese Schools Multi Academy Trust.

Diocesan education director Anne Davey said: “We are encouraged by the recent improvements that have seen standards raised for children at John Henry Newman. I am excited by the opportunities offered by our new trust.”

The Diocese of Oxford looks set to be a major player in the new education landscape, with all of its 281 schools, including 120 in Oxfordshire, offered the opportunity to join the trust as new academies.

But no school will be ordered to make the change, and if schools wish to become standalone academies the diocese will support them.

Church Cowley Primary School in Oxford and Wheatley Primary School are currently undergoing formal consultation on plans to convert, while at least two unnamed high-performing primaries are about to begin early consultation, with a further three in early discussions about the move.