St Mary's Academy Trust

​I would like to introduce myself, Melanie Priestley, Chief Executive of St. Mary’s Academy Trust. I am proud to lead our nine primary schools, which are based throughout Barnsley. I am passionate about supporting all of our schools in order to make a real difference to our local communities and to help them thrive. At St. Mary’s Academy Trust we inspire all of our children to have high aspirations and encourage them to see opportunities; not barriers or obstacles. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that is tailored to meet the needs of our individual communities. We pride ourselves not only on high educational outcomes but on providing our children with a variety of experiences and opportunities, the resilience to face challenges and the skills to succeed. By enabling all of our children to realise that they have many choices open to them in life; we prepare them to step out into the world as responsible citizens with the Trust values and Christian ethos instilled within them. We believe our children can make a difference to society and our future. Our Trust does not stop at the school gate. It is our public duty to work alongside our local communities to ensure a better world for all. We have a collaborative approach to learning across our SMAT family and firmly believe that we all have a lot to learn from each other. We look after and support each other to improve in all aspects of what we do and provide people with the confidence, compassion and courage to succeed and be whoever they want to be. We work to instil a passion and pride in all those within our care – children, staff and families – for where they live and who they are. Our communities have many opportunities to offer us all. Our desire is to ignite a spark in all who work with us.