A ST Helens primary school will be converted into an academy.

Nutgrove Methodist Aided Primary School, in Thatto Heath, is planning on completing the conversion from September 2018.

The school will become the founding school of the Wesley Trust, part of the Methodist Church.

The Wesley Trust is a not-for-profit Multi-Academy Trust and will provide a home for any school wishing to academise.

Alan Davies, chairman of the Wesley Trust, said: “We are delighted to announce that Nutgrove Methodist Aided Primary School, the oldest Methodist primary school in the country, has received approval from the Department for Education to become the founding school of the Wesley Trust.

“Nutgrove is an outstanding school (OFSTED and SIAMS), treasured both by the local community and within the Methodist family.

“It was first established by a local benefactor in 1811 to serve the people of St Helens and opened on its current site in 1996.”

The Wesley Trust’s vision is to work with people and children of all faiths and none.

A delegated decision has now been taken by a St Helens Council officer to approve a Commercial Transfer Agreement, which is required to complete the academy conversion process.

Mr Davies said: “The Wesley Trust and the leadership of Nutgrove School are fully committed to continuing the good work of the school in the lives of its pupils and wider school community.

“Trustees appreciate the work of staff and governors in building the strength of the school over many years and we look forward to a future of working together to enhance the opportunities for local children and families.

“Although the Wesley Trust is newly-formed as an academies group, it draws from the Methodist Church’s rich educational heritage and the flourishing network of Methodist schools and trusts.

“There are almost 90 Methodist schools in Britain and several thousand across the world.”