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A pioneering initiative announced today could create the first Academies in the country sponsored by a further education college.
TheDepartment for Education and Skills has accepted an expression of interest from Barnfield College to sponsor two new Academies in Luton to replace Halyard and South Luton High Schools.
Pete Birkett, Principal of Barnfield College, said the academy proposals won the support of the board of Governors, the local authority, the Learning and Skills Council, Campus Luton and Luton MPs Margaret Moran and Kelvin Hopkins.
Mr Birkett was upbeat about the potential development: "We are fully committed to maximising the learning opportunities for all 11-18 year old students in Luton and excited at the prospect of working in partnership with Halyard and South Luton High Schools. The key ingredients to bring about excellence and success for the Academies include a shared vision, strong leadership, innovative and exciting teaching and assessment methods, high quality buildings and learning facilities, a pro-active partnership with parents, staff and employers and the freedom to operate within a framework.
"Barnfield College is already recognised as one of the highest performing colleges in the country having been the first College of Further Education to achieve Learning and Skills Beacon status and this news further reinforces our dedication to ensuring the right learning environment for our students now and in the future."
Schools Minister Lord Andrew Adonis commented: "This exciting initiative breaks new ground for building strong links between Academies and Colleges of Further Education for the benefit of the local community. I welcome this innovative proposal which has the potential to offer high quality education, raising standards throughout school life and helping students stay in further education to gain the skills and qualifications they need and employers expect.
An expression of interest is the first stage on the road to potentially becoming an Academy. If the feasibility stage is successfully completed, including consultation with parents, students and the local community, the Academies could be operating in new buildings in 2009/10.
E&OE
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