Our Vision & Values

The Bishop Fraser Trust - A Church of England Multi Academy 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 were the initial member schools of the MAT?

The Bishop Fraser Trust was established in December 2017 in Bolton. Canon Slade School and St James’s CE High School came together as convertor academies with the ambition to secure best practice, uphold the positive aspects of tradition and a provide distinctive Christian education for our families.

We were delighted to welcome Bolton St Catherine’s Academy in May 2018 as a sponsored academy and Bury Church of England High School joined us as a convertor academy in January 2022.

What guides us at The Bishop Fraser Trust

Our vision is:

At The Bishop Fraser Trust, our vision is to ensure all our communities experience ‘life in all its fullness’ (John, 10:10). This means we seek to educate the whole person, uniting the physical and intellectual development with spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. 

To realise this vision, we are guided by four core values. Wisdom inspires us to keep learning and growing in knowledge and understanding. Hope keeps us relentlessly optimistic, even when faced with setbacks. Community reminds us that we are stronger together and that our differences enrich us. Dignity ensures we take pride in our achievements and treat each other with respect.

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.

Who is the MAT Chief Executive Officer (CEO)?

The CEO of the MAT is Tuesday Humby.

What changes when a school joins the MAT?

When a school becomes part of The Bishop Fraser Trust, its name does not change, and its uniform and admissions policy are retained. These decisions remain the responsibility of the individual school and are not determined by the Trust.

Schools that join benefit from:

• Stronger governance around leadership, teaching standards, performance, and finance

• Opportunities for collaboration across a family of schools

• Better value for money through shared procurement and central services

• Professional development and curriculum support through trust-wide networks

Who decides if changes are made later on?

Decisions about matters such as school uniform or admissions remain with each school’s Local Governing Board (LGB). While policies may be reviewed from time to time, any changes are considered locally and only where governors believe it is in the best interests of the school community. The Trust does not impose changes in these areas.