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THE internet guide to Northamptonshire UK
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www.northamptonshire.co.ukTHE internet guide to Northamptonshire UK | | ||
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17/03/2008 ACADEMY STATUS PLANS FOR KETTERING SCHOOLS | ||
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| Proposals to transform two schools in Kettering into academies are set to be made by Northamptonshire County Council following consultation on how education in the town will rise to the challenge of predicted population growth. Last month the county council announced it was in negotiation with school heads, governors and Kettering Borough Council about the future of secondary education in the town. And now the county council is set to announce a proposal to transform both Ise Community College and Montagu School into academies – a flagship government initiative to raise standards in schools. After meetings between heads, potential sponsors and the government, the county council will also be proposing that both academies are sponsored by the UK’s largest academy sponsor the United Learning Trust (ULT) – the educational charity which already sponsors the Northampton Academy.
“We have ensured that headteachers, governors and other partners such as the borough council have been involved in these discussions every step of the way – and we have only come to this conclusion after detailed negotiations with them. We all share the vision and aim to improve the quality of education in Kettering and make it fit for the future.” Sir Ewan Harper, Chief Executive of ULT said: “This proposal is something that is very dear to our hearts as we are anchored here in Titchmarsh as part of a long term presence close to Kettering with a growing number of people employed in the county. Our Northampton Academy is already establishing itself as a flourishing school in Northampton and the opportunity to open two academies in Kettering is something that we would greatly welcome.” Academies are state-funded schools which are established and managed through a partnership of the council and sponsors. They are a flagship government initiative aimed at improving standards in schools. Now the county council has come to agreement with headteachers, governors and the borough council about the best approach for schools in the town, the next step is that a formal ‘Notice of Intent’ is received from the DCSF. This will trigger a fullscale consultation with parents and other interested parties before final submissions are made to the government for academy status. If approved these will be the fourth and fifth academies in the county with one already open in Northampton and two set to open in Corby this September. | ||
