Academy plan to aid struggling school
A struggling Northampton secondary school may be turned into an academy to help improve pupil performance.
County councillor Joan Kirkbride confirmed Northamptonshire County Council would be issuing a Statement of Intent to the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) to transform Weston Favell School into one of the Government's flagship academies.
The school was designated as a National Challenge school in June after failing to meet the Government's new benchmark for having having at least 30 per cent of students achieving five good GCSE results at C and above, including maths and English.
Exploratory talks to establish a second academy school in Northampton have been taking place this month between the county council and representatives of Weston Favell School.
Yesterday it emerged the strategy for raising standards at Weston Favell is to apply for academy status.
Headteacher Dr Tracey Jones said: "The chair of governors, Roger Webb, and other representatives of the school were invited to attend a special meeting with the local authority where it was announced the local authority would issue a Statement of Intent for Weston Favell School.
"I think as soon as we were named a National Challenge School we knew there was a possibility of it happening and it was not confirmed to us until the meeting.
"This is a proposal which has been initiated by the local authority and we have to make the best of this situation by trying to make this into something positive. We are focusing on what is best for the current and future students."
The county council's preferred sponsor for a possible academy is the United Learning Trust, current sponsor of Northampton Academy, in Lings. Letters were sent to parents of 1,300 students at Weston Favell and to year six pupils of primary schools linked to the secondary School. Further letters announcing the partnership were sent to parents of pupils at Northampton Academy.
Councillor Joan Kirkbride, cabinet member for children and young people said: "As a council we are absolutely committed to improving outcomes for children and young people in the county and it is essential that we grasp opportunities which will build on the good work that is already taking place within the school."
The National Challenge programme is a 400billion rescue package to support schools who struggle to meet the Government's benchmark for good GCSE results.
They must raise standards by 2011 or face being replaced by academies or National Challenge Trust schools.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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