Ely College Marks 10 Years with Meridian Trust

Today, 1 July, marks a significant milestone for Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form as it celebrates the 10th anniversary of joining what is now Meridian Trust.

The anniversary comes at an exciting time for the college community, with students and staff enjoying a packed calendar of celebrations and achievements. From the unforgettable Prom on Friday evening and the wide range of opportunities over this week’s ‘Activities Week’, to the forthcoming Presentation Evening at Ely Cathedral on 6 July, there is much to celebrate as another successful academic year draws to a close.

Staff marked the anniversary together last night during a scheduled SEND training session, taking time to reflect on the college's journey over refreshments and celebratory cupcakes.

Ely College joined the then Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT) on 1 July 2016 following its transition from CfBT Schools Trust. Over the past decade, the Trust has evolved into Meridian Trust, growing from strength to strength while providing sustained support, investment and expertise that have helped the college flourish. Together, Ely College and Meridian Trust have built a strong culture of ambition, inclusion and opportunity, ensuring students are equipped to achieve their full potential.

Principal Simon Warburton said: "Today is a proud moment for everyone connected with Ely College. Over the past ten years, our partnership with Meridian Trust has enabled us to build on our strengths and continue raising aspirations and outcomes for our children. It has been a journey of collaboration, investment and shared ambition, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our staff, the achievements of our students and the unwavering support of our families and the wider community. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward with great confidence to the next chapter in the college's story."

Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust, added: "Ely College has been an important part of the Meridian family for the past decade, and it has been a privilege to see the college go from strength to strength. The progress made over the last ten years is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of colleagues across both the Trust and the College, particularly Simon and his team. At Meridian Trust, we believe in delivering high-quality education at the heart of local communities, and our journey at Ely College exemplifies that vision. We are incredibly proud of everything the college has achieved over the past decade and look forward to seeing it continue to thrive in the years ahead."

As the college looks ahead, there is every reason to be optimistic. With Presentation Evening set to recognise the outstanding achievements of current students, preparations are already underway to welcome the new cohort of Year 7 students into Ely College; incoming Year 12s also look to new heights as they settle into their new home in Bishop Laney’s refurbished tower this September. Both continue to attract strong demand, with the college fully subscribed and supported by a community that places its trust in the college to provide the very best education for its young people.

As Ely College celebrates this important anniversary, it does so with pride in its achievements, gratitude for the support of Meridian Trust and its wider community, and confidence in an exciting future ahead for its students and staff.