The Bishop Fraser Trust

What is a Multi Academy Trust?

A multi-academy trust (MAT) is a single organisation established to improve and maintain high educational standards across a number of member schools. Through collaboration and partnership the member schools are able to share expertise and resources. A MAT has responsibility for the overall governance, finance and performance of the member schools.

Who are the initial member schools of the MAT?

The three initial schools of the MAT are

• St James’s C of E High School
• Canon Slade School
• Bolton St Catherine’s Academy

In January 2022, Bury Church of England High School also joined the MAT.

Why did we form a MAT?

MATs provide the opportunity to share skills and resources providing for greater efficiencies and opportunities to retain and develop the best staff. It allows us to:

• support each other to promote and develop further high quality education in a Christian context;
• allow outstanding schools to work together and support schools in other categories;
• explore the possibilities of capital projects in the schools;
• develop excellent teacher training, and to ensure the recruitment and retention of high quality staff in all our schools;
• grow the leaders of our schools of the future, and the Christian leaders of the future.

What is the vision at The Bishop Fraser Trust?

Our vision is: To allow all children to experience ‘life in all its fullness’, no matter what their starting point.

We will do this by:
• Offering a high quality, inclusive and distinctive education
• A caring and nurturing environment based on our Christian values
• Recognising the unique nature of each child.

Who was Bishop Fraser?

James Fraser was a former Bishop of Manchester and established the Diocesan Board of Education.
Appointed to the role in 1870 he won the respect of many after rejecting the comfortable bishop’s residence, instead preferring to live in the city centre so he could be closer to the people.
During his time as Bishop of Manchester, Fraser saw 99 new churches consecrated, set up over 100 new parishes and founded the Bishop’s Fund for poorer parishes. A statue was erected to Bishop Fraser in Albert Square in 1888. On the pedestal of the statue are three bronze panels that show Fraser in his three roles: bishop, citizen and man of charity. The panels around the plinth of the statue depict a man who was close to the people and it seems that he was both highly respected and warmly regarded.

We felt that with his close ties to the people and his crucial role in setting up public education in the North West, Bishop Fraser represented much of what the Trust has set out to do. This is also reflected in our brand which uses Manchester Diocesan colours and the Bishops Mitre.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We recognise that as a member of staff, a parent/carer (prospective or current), a student or a member of our wider communities you will have some queries and questions. Below we have provided answers to the more frequent questions we know you will have.

As this MAT involves four schools coming together, some of the answers to those questions will vary dependent on which school you are currently involved with. Please do contact your individual schools with anything we haven’t covered above.

The Structure of the MAT

For an overview of the structure of the MAT, please follow this link to the Bishop Fraser Trust website: The Bishop Fraser Trust - Our Structure

Additional Information

For more information on the Trust, including annual reports, annual audited accounts, memorandum of association, articles of association, the funding agreement, key members of staff and the trustees, please visit Bishop Fraser Trust Website using the following link: The Bishop Fraser Trust - Our Members and Trustees