Academies
The County Council declared in its BSF Vision that it would work towards the establishment of 3 Academies in County Durham. On 19 July 2007 the County Council's Cabinet gave approval to begin consultation on the possible development of Academies in County Durham.
Academies in County Durham
There are two processes running in parallel with each other in County Durham. The first is to seek potential sponsors and the other to consult on the pattern of secondary provision in those areas of the County that might have an Academy in the future - North-West Durham, South-West Durham and Durham City.What is an Academy?
Academies were launched by the Government in 2000 and are independent, state-funded schools intended to be established in areas of high social and economic deprivation. They were a new type of school established by sponsors from business, faith and voluntary groups in partnership with central Government and Local Education Partners with the aim of trying to break the cycle of under-achievement of pupils and students of secondary age.
The Academy building programme forms an integral part of BSF which is expected to last for approximately 10-15 years. An Academy therefore might be proposed for an area where planned BSF works are some years from being implemented. Where there are strong educational reasons to bring forward building work for an Academy, this can be done as a priority within BSF.
Potential Sponsors
Adverts were placed in local and national newspapers in October 2007 inviting organisations or individuals to submit proposals to sponsor one or more of the proposed Academies. The closing date for applications was 9 November 2007. Ten applications from potential sponsors were received from a range of difference organisations. The applications are currently being evaluated by Durham County Council representatives and an independent assessor appointed by DCSF.For further information including the Academies Prospectus and application form, please follow the link to the Proposals from Potential Sponsors page
Consultation on the Pattern and Provision of Secondary Schooling
Durham County Council is looking at the pattern and provision of secondary schooling in Stanley, Consett and the Durham City area. Countywide consultation commenced on 9 October 2007 through to 23 November 2007. The responses to the consultation are currently being analysed. For further information including the consultation document and the dates of public meetings held, please follow the link to the consultation on the pattern and provision of schooling in Stanley, Consett and the Durham City area page.Press Releases
Consultation Launched on Academy Proposals
County Council Advertises for Academy Sponsors
Cabinet to Consider Strategy for Academy Schools
