PADGATE will be back on the name of University Academy Warrington after a new backer was confirmed

The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT), which boasts the likes of Beamont, Bridgewater and Penketh high schools among its number, will become the new sponsor of the school in place of the University of Chester Academy Trust (UCAT).

The Warrington Guardian reported in June how UCAT, which was responsible for a number of schools across Cheshire, was closed due to financial worries.

Now bosses at TCAT promise to continue the school's work to drive-up standards.

The new name will be the fourth in the past decade at the Insall Road school.

Padgate Community High School became Lysander Community High School in 2009 following a rebrand before it was bought by UCAT who named it University Academy Warrington.

Bosses say the school's new name should reflect the community it serves and therefore revert to Padgate Academy as soon as the transfer occurs which could be as soon as next Saturday, December 1.

READ > Beamont Collegiate Academy scoops regional STEM award

Matthew Grant, CEO of TCAT and principal at Priestley College, said: "It is an inclusive trust which best represents the ethos and values of the school. It makes the transition and support between primary school, high school and college as seamless as possible for pupils to fulfil their potential.

"We work closely with local authorities and employers and believe the school is going back to its roots that it is proud of."

Misia Barclay, principal at University Academy Warrington, added: "I am confident that we are doing the right thing, I am looking forward to being able to work with schools in this area of town.

"The pupils are quite excited about designing the new badge as this will be their lasting legacy, they are proud to be from Padgate and will look at the history and demographic of the area to create the new design."

TCAT is a Warrington-based academy trust consisting of Beamont Collegiate Academy, Bridgewater High School, Great Sankey Primary School, Priestley College, Penketh South Primary School, Penketh High School and Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School.

While the school's uniform will remain the same, Padgate Academy will have a new badge, designed by the pupils.

Leaders are keen to keep disruption to a minimum and say pupils will not notice any difference in the day-to-day running of the school.

In a letter to parents, TCAT said: "During the recent difficult months since the government announced that it was re-brokering all of the UCAT schools, colleagues at UAW/Padgate have worked tirelessly to ensure that there has been no disruption to the learners.

"Over time we expect to deliver significant improvements in the estate at UAW/Padgate and we will continue the school's work to drive up standards, work that is already leading to improved outcomes."

The school will create a local governing body for parents and staff to be a part of while teachers and managers at Padgate Academy will have access to the TCAT School Improvement Hubs where they will work with colleagues to share the best practice.