AN academy trust has announced a unique "staggered start" to the school year with pupils returning on different days depending on their year groups.

The Ortu Federation Trust, which ran two schools in Stanford-le-Hope and one in Corringham, dissolved at the end of the 2022 academic year following a series of failures, setback and protests.

The trust becomes part of Hackney-based Mossborne Federation on Tuesday, October 1, which already runs two primary schools, two secondary schools and a sixth form. 

To "establish new expectations" in preparation for the merger, the Mossborne Federation will be implementing a "staggered return" of pupils at Gable Hall School and Hassenbrook Academy from tomorrow.

This means year 7s will attend school on Wednesday and Friday, and then do not attend school again until next Thursday, September 12, when they will return as normal.

Year 8 students will not be returning until Monday, September 9, while year 9s go back on Tuesday, September 10, and both do not attend again until next Thursday.

Year 10 pupils start on Wednesday, September 11, while year 11s go back on Thursday, September 5, and year 13 pupils return on Friday, September 6.

A letter to parents from Mossborne Federation CEO Peter Hughes states: "A staggered start to the academic year is typically adopted when a school or academy merges with another trust or federation. Research shows that the implementation of this distinct transition stage is of significant benefit to a school community when moving to a change of expectations."

"Though the start of the new academic year is staggered for all students, we have prioritised the return of students in years 7, 11 and 13," he adds.

"This is because it is important that year 7 students experience at least 2 induction days to support their transition to secondary school, and year 11 and 13 students will take public exams this coming academic year."