TWO Northwich schools will reopen under new names this week, following a change of sponsor.

Following the winding up of the troubled University of Chester Academies Trust, seven schools have been taken on by new trusts.

Two in Northwich will reopen this week, after half-term, under the stewardship of the North West Academies Trust (NWAT).

The University of Chester Academy Northwich (UCAN), in Rudheath, will reopen as Rudheath Senior Academy, launching with a multi-school inset day today, Monday.

Meanwhile, The University Primary Academy Weaverham (UPAW), in Wallerscote Road, will reopen as Weaverham Primary Academy.

The inset day will see teachers and staff from Rudheath senior and primary academies, Witton Church Walk, Lostock Gralam, Victoria Road Primary School, Weaverham Primary Academy and Wincham Primary School get together to discuss how to ensure the welfare of children and their families.

NWAT CEO Steve Docking said: “This is a great opportunity for schools to come together to share experience and ideas.

“We firmly believe that strength and improvement comes from working together and this is great example of sharing ideas and best practice.

“All children have the right to the best possible education and it is really important to us that the schools are the best they can be, are forward thinking, with the highest possible standards.”