A report on Islington Council's proposals for a new 11-18 school at the site of Islington Green School, N1 goes to Council Executive on 20 July.
Islington Council, the City of London and City University are working together to benefit future generations of young people through the proposed sponsorship and construction of a City Academy to replace Islington Green School.
The report proposes the plans go to the next stage following initial consultation between May and July on the vision for Islington's second academy. 14,000 brochures were distributed asking parents, teachers and local people about issues such as the curriculum and admissions.
In addition, the council sought the views of over 2,500 local people neighboring the school on the buildings.
Key recommendations of the report are that Council Executive:
*secure a comprehensive school intake with a fair admisson policy consistent with other local schools
*enable children from families who move during the Packington re-development to retain admission rights
*retain on-going involvement of parents, young people and local residents in developing the scheme
In addition, the council will seek to ensure it participates in the appointment of a principal, that governors are appointed from the local community (in addition to the LEA governor) and that there is an extended school and community provision.
Under the provisional timetable, the Academy would open in existing buildings in 2008 with the first new buildings occupied from 2009.
Cllr Ursula Woolley, executive member for children and young people said:
"It's important local people get involved from the start. I'm very pleased that we've had comments back from young people and parents at the primary schools that send children on to Islington Green. Whatever happens, they'll have a say on design, curriculum, play space and uniform.
I know some people are concerned plans for academies do not undermine local schools or unfairly exclude local children for any reason and I want to make sure these issues are sorted out properly . That's why we've started asking for comments early-on, before any final decisions have been made.
Because of the academies programme we will get the scale of investment we need to make big improvements to education in Islington."
ENDS
Note:
City Academies are a new type of publicly funded independent secondary school supported by one or more sponsors.
The sponsors of the proposed academy, the City of London and City University, will jointly contribute £2 million to the development of the Academy. Both sponsors have extensive experience in the provision of high quality education.
The City University has run a succession of themed summer schools throughout the summer, each one designed to involve local school pupils in the idea of progressing their education and establishing a career. School topics have ranged from Engineering to Law and Business as well as a general residential scheme entitled Pathway to the Professions. Around 40 pupils drawn from numerous London boroughs including Islington have attended each of the week-long schools.
For more information, please contact:
Islington Council
Charles Dean, 020 7527 3224 / 07966 939 472
www.islington.gov.uk
City of London
Michelle Poole, 020 7332 3450 / 07795 301 502
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk
City University
Louise Scodie, 020 7040 8783
www.city.ac.uk
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008