Congleton and Knutsford Multi-Academy Trusts are set to merge by September.

The merger talks arose following the announcement of David Hermitt's decision to retire from his post as the Congleton trust's chief executive.

Following an extensive 'futures' exercise, Congleton approached Knutsford with a proposal to merge the trusts.

As part of the proposal, Trustees have asked Mike Cladingbowl, the current chief executive for the Knutsford trust, to lead the new trust, with support from David Twambley, chief operating officer at the Congleton trust.

Mr Cladingbowl said: "Our trusts have similar values and approaches. Above all we believe in allowing each school to retain its distinctive and successful ethos.

"We also know that a new, slightly larger trust will have greater capacity to support the ambition of individual schools, help children to reach their potential and benefit from the greater resources that partnership brings."

Mr Twambley said: "I'm delighted that this is now a very real possibility.

"It's a change to the trust arrangements rather than to the schools, so we don't expect it to alter any child's experience at school other than to improve it over time.

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"We've already spoken with staff and governing bodies, and there's lots of enthusiasm for the merger."

The new trust would include Black Firs Primary, Congleton; Castle Primary, Mow Cop; Cheshire Studio School, Knutsford; Congleton High School; Egerton Primary, Knutsford; Knutsford Academy; Sir William Stanier, Crewe; The Oaks Academy, Crewe.