The Story so Far 

In September 2013  PCLC was officially formed as a Multi Academy Trust following approaches from two local primary schools – Potter Street and Purford Green. From the outset PCLC was set up with the intention of serving the local Harlow community of schools. Since being formed PCLC has grown with three more local schools joining and is now made up of : 

Passmores Academy – since 2013 

Potter Street Academy – since 2013 

Purford Green Academy – since 2013 

The Downs Academy – since 2018 

Pear Tree Mead Academy – since 2024 

Stewards Academy – from February 2025 

PCLC also operates two enhanced provisions, one primary and one secondary, for young people with autism. 

PCLC was formed as a cooperative Trust, meaning that we adhere to the ten key principles of the cooperative movement, while retaining overall autonomy of our schools. In practice, this means that in our policies and practice we work with the following cooperative and ethical values: 

Openness 

Honesty 

Solidarity 

Self-Help 

Self-Responsibility 

Caring for Others 

Equality 

Equity 

Democracy 

Social Responsibility 

We view ourselves as servants of our community and are zealous in our aim to make sure that every student who attends a school with the trust has an enjoyable and challenging educational journey and leaves with the knowledge, skills, personal qualities and qualifications that allow them to take the next steps towards their ambitions. We firmly believe that financial difficulties should never be a barrier to learning and have a long-established school charity, No Child Without (click link for more information), that helps support students to have the full range of opportunities. 

PCLC also offers substantial support to schools that are not part of the trust through commissioned services in IT, premises and estate management, HR and finance.