Diocese plans Academy

Ambitious plans for an exciting new vision of secondary schooling have been set in motion by the Diocese of Oxford.

The Board of Education, in partnership with Oxfordshire Local Authority, has submitted an expression of interest to the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to open an Academy in Oxford.

The pioneering venture would replace Peers Community College in Littlemore, which was last year placed in special measures by Ofsted, and would offer tailor-made learning and support for pupils, as well as  new community facilities.

If final approval is given next year, after a detailed feasibility study and public consultations, the Academy could open its doors in 2008, moving into its new buildings by 2010.

Leslie Stephen, Director of Education, told the DOOR that government go-ahead for the Academy would realise the board's vision of excellence for all in secondary education in the diocese, and fulfil its commitment to address disadvantage and increase social cohesion.

'We are excited by the possibility of involvement in secondary education in this part of the city. Traditionally, Church of England Schools were established in the 19th century to educate the poor of the parish and we believe education today should maximise the potential of all youngsters. We hope the project will be a boost to the whole community.' he said.

The Academy would offer personalised learning programmes from entry at Year 7, with a focus on raising self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills - aided by a specialism in the Performing Arts - which impact on the ability to learn.

Vocational courses and placements are planned to run alongside the usual GCSE and A Level subjects, tackling the issue of truancy and drop-out among 14-19 year olds.

And, surrounding the core education of its pupils, the Academy also aims to reach  adults in the community with an adult education centre.

The ambitious new-style curriculum is possible, said Mr Stephen, because of the varied support and expertise offered by the diocese's other partners in the project. These currently include both universities in Oxford, Oxford and Cherwell College, Harrow School and the Open University.

The Academy will be inclusive and serve its community.

Initial major capital investment of approximately £25m would come from the Government to replace most of the existing buildings. Once up and running the Board of Education would be responsible for standards.

The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, who chairs the Board of Education, commented: 'The Church of England has a proven track record in education over almost two centuries, and we welcome the opportunity now to explore this pioneering venture for the 21st century.'

Why Academies will improve our education system
by Andrew Adonis, Minister for Schools

I strongly welcome preliminary discussions between Peers Community School and the Diocese of Oxford about bringing the benefits of the Academy approach to the city.

Our education system is improving.  Each year, more young people are gaining good GCSEs and going on to 6th form or to jobs with serious training.  Our schools are also demonstrating a stronger commitment to standards, good behaviour and social values.

But there is still far more to do. All children deserve an excellent education and standards in many secondary schools – often those serving deprived communities – are too low.  Despite the best efforts of heads, teachers and parents, the pattern of poor results and low aspirations persists.  Such underachievement is unacceptable; radical solutions are needed.

That’s why the Government has developed Academies – independent state schools with the freedom to raise standards through innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching and the curriculum. 

Each Academy has a sponsor from the business, faith or voluntary sectors, who brings strong leadership and a relentless focus on high-quality teaching and learning (as well as some private investment). 

Preliminary results this year show that the proportion of pupils in Academies gaining five or more good GCSEs increased by about four times the national average.  For the 21 reporting Academies, average GCSE performance is over 50 per cent higher than the final results of the failing schools they replaced.  This improvement has been almost entirely achieved by pupils who previously attended the predecessor schools. There has been no unfair selection.

Academies are popular with parents – the ultimate test of improving schools.  They also spread their benefits more widely by supporting the community.  This is not about creating a league of oversubscribed super– schools, but improving standards across the board.