Pennine Alliance Learning Trust

PALT – Our Story So Far… 

The story of the Pennine Alliance Learning Trust (PALT) began in 2019, when senior leaders from The Calder Learning Trust, Old Town Primary School and Wainstalls School initiated informal discussions on working more closely together. At the heart of these early conversations was a shared ambition: to enhance educational experiences for all pupils through greater collaboration, particularly by improving the transition from primary to secondary education. 

As discussions progressed, the vision expanded to include joint work on specialist teaching, modern foreign language development, cross-phase initiatives, shared use of facilities and resources, and support for moderation and monitoring. 

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily paused this momentum, but once restrictions lifted, the shared commitment among the schools quickly reignited. With renewed energy and purpose, conversations resumed—this time including Midgley School and Burnley Road Academy. The leadership and governance teams of both schools were inspired by the strategic vision presented, and soon it became clear that a new multi-academy trust could be the vehicle to realise these ambitions on a broader scale. 

Building on long-standing positive relationships, a working group of headteachers and governor representatives from all five founding schools was formed. Together, we began engaging with the Department for Education and the Regional Schools Commissioner to establish a new MAT in Calderdale. 

We are proud to say that the Pennine Alliance Learning Trust was officially established in January 2025, initially comprising one all-through primary/secondary school and four primary schools. 

Our long-term vision is to become the leading cross-phase MAT in Calderdale, recognised for delivering outstanding provision across all settings. Through strong partnerships with the Calder Valley Cluster and connections within and beyond Calderdale, we are excited to grow our Trust. We welcome other schools to join us and benefit from our collaborative model—offering robust support and challenge, subject expertise, and innovative curriculum delivery. 

By working together, we are committed to enabling every pupil to make excellent progress and achieve exceptional outcomes.