AFTER months of debate, negotiations, disappointment and false dawns a Trust has been identified to take over Gable Hall School, Hassenbrook Academy and Corringham Primary School.

The three Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham schools have been run by the ORTU Federation but following poor performance, particularly at Gable Hall, the Department for Education decided a new trust had to take over.

Several trusts bid for the opportunity and initially it looked as if the Gateway Learning Community, based in Tilbury, would take over, at least at Gable Hall. The Stanford-based Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust also expressed an interest but in the end the government placed the schools with the Harris Academy Trust.

However, earlier this year Harris pulled out of the deal saying running the schools was not viable and so the search began again.

Today (Wednesday, 11 October) it has been announced that Mossbourne Federation, a multi-academy-trust of four schools based in Hackney, East London, has been given the green light to take over in March next year.

Three of its four schools are judged as 'outstanding' by Ofsted.

A statement from Georgina Clark, chair of ORTU Trustees, says: "Subject to a final agreement which we expect to sign in March of next year, the Mossbourne Federation, will now work with colleagues in our three schools to create a Mossbourne hub in Thurrock, bringing the expertise and high expectations that have transformed schools in Hackney.

"Together we will strive for one common goal to be the best we can be, ensuring every student, every teacher and member of staff fulfil their potential. This will be based on Mossbourne's philosophy of continuous improvement; always learning; always looking for a better way to do things. Mossbourne is a supportive family that shares experiences, knowledge and ideas in an environment that welcomes input and challenge.

"Mossbourne's core values that ensure that all schools are in the same pathway are - Excellence: doing everything as well as we can, always.

- Unity: Working together towards our goals, with integrity.

- No Excuses: believing that anything is possible, we just have to know how.

"All ORTU members, trustees and governors are invited to a presentation by Peter Hughes, the CEO of the Mossbourne Federation who will set out his vision for the future of Ortu schools.

"You are welcome to join the staff at 4pm or parents at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the Hassenbrook Academy on Tuesday, 17 October.

"ORTU trustees would like to take the opportunity to thank every parent , our students and colleagues across the Trust for their support and patience during this transition. It may have taken a long time, but we are very confident that a partnership with the Mossbourne Federation will help us to provide the best possible opportunities for every child today,and in the future."