8:44am Thursday 25th October 2007
By Mike Foster
A couple of years ago, amid fierce debate over school reform plans, I suggested to the local education authority that Elgar Technology College should apply to become an academy.
The idea was dismissed at the time. But I’m pleased to say it is now very much firmly on the agenda of both the Government and the county council.
The school is currently undergoing a major transformation, thanks in part to the new leadership.
This is supported by a direct investment of £300,000 from the Government – money to support strong leadership at Elgar.
I now want to see a giant leap forward – I want Elgar to become Worcestershire’s first ever academy. For those who wonder what they are, academies are publicly funded independent schools.
They provide a first-class free education to pupils of all abilities.
They are established by sponsors from business working with partners from the local community to tackle under-achievement in areas of educational underperformance and other disadvantage.
Academies provide a teaching and learning environment in line with the very best in the state sector. They offer a broad and balanced curriculum, focusing on one or more subject areas.
I believe something radical needs to be done for the pupils in the Elgar catchment area.
The independent status of academies allows them the flexibility to be creative in their management, governance, teaching and curriculum, to find innovative solutions to meet local needs.
Each academy has charitable status and will have a board of governors responsible for the governance and strategic leadership of the school.
As with all schools in Worcester, I will be doing all I can to support Elgar and the executive head Mr Seddon to drive up standards of education locally.
As far as I am concerned, there is no compromise on this – children in Worcester have one chance and they deserve the very best we can offer them. While I am Worcester’s MP I will fight
to make sure no child is left behind.
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