Introduction of academies in Wirral moves a step closer (From Wirral Globe)

Introduction of academies in Wirral moves a step closer

2:53pm Thursday 2nd July 2009 in News By Leigh Marles

The formal process to create two brand new academies in Wirral has now begun.

The government has signed the "Statement of Intent" document - the first step in the process to introduce the academies to Birkenhead.

The decision is still subject to a consultation process with parents, pupils, staff and other interested parties, but it could see two new multi-million pound schools in the borough in less than two years.

The proposal would see one mixed-sex academy and one boys' academy to serve current pupils at Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway high School.

The introduction of the academies would mean the closure of the three high schools.

The single-sex boys' academy will have sports entrepreneur David Hughes as its sponsor along with the University of Liverpool, Birkenhead Sixth Form College and the Local Authority as its supporting sponsors.

The mixed-academy lead sponsor has been named as the University of Chester, with Wirral Metropolitan College and Wirral Council as supporting sponsors.

Councillor Phil Davies, Wirral’s cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “This is an extremely exciting development and the Council is very pleased to be working alongside our partners to give young people in Birkenhead the top class facilities they have always deserved.”

Birkenhead MP Frank Field was effusive in his enthusiasm for the project.

He said: "This is a glorious opportunity which has been seized to provide the very best technical education that will lead to skilled jobs. Halleluiah!"

According to the Department for Children, Schools and Families' website: "Academies are all-ability, state-funded schools established and managed by sponsors from a wide range of backgrounds, including high performing schools and colleges, universities, individual philanthropists, businesses, the voluntary sector, and the faith communities.

"Some are established educational providers, and all of them bring a record of success in other enterprises which they are able to apply to their Academies in partnership with experienced school managers.

"Sponsors challenge traditional thinking on how schools are run and what they should be like for students.

"They seek to make a complete break with cultures of low aspiration which afflict too many communities and their schools.

"We want this to happen, which is why we entrust the governance of academies to them. On establishing an academy, the sponsor sets up an endowment fund, the proceeds of which are spent by the academy trust on measures to counteract the impact of deprivation on education in their local communities."

Sponsor David Hughes will be unveiled to the public tomorrow at a press conference at noon.

We will have a full update on the website.

You can find out more about academies by clicking the link below