Devon: E-ACT chosen as co-sponsor in Dartmouth

Dartmouth broke new ground when the Community College and the Primary School and Nursery formed the first three to sixteen federation in Devon.

 

Late last year Devon County Council won cash from the Government’s Building Schools for the Future scheme to refurbish the college.

 

Now local people, existing and future parents, business leaders and community representatives are to be consulted on a move which would transform learning for the entire area and could mean an investment of over £10 million in the schools.

 

Academies have a reputation for excellence, with high standards of attainment and behaviour. Their unique status offers the opportunity for increased flexibility and innovation to improve standards across the board.

 

The proposed academy project at Dartmouth is being backed by the national academy sponsor, E-ACT, which supports academies across England, as well as South Devon College and potentially Britannia Royal Naval College.

 

If the public consultation, which starts on February 8 and lasts for six weeks, is successful then the two existing schools would have to be formally closed at the end of the academic year to be replaced by the proposed academy.

 

If the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families agrees the academy project can move into feasibility, then there will be a separate consultation on the academy itself.

 

The proposed new Academy would open in the existing buildings this September and it is hoped the new buildings would be ready in 2013.

 

Dartmouth Community College headteacher Chris Long said: “This is the most fantastic opportunity to transform learning in the Dartmouth area – across all age ranges and through every aspect of education.

 

“Dartmouth will be a pathfinder in providing really high quality education to the whole community by developing an initiative that will raise achievements and aspirations ever further.

 

“The goal is for every student to aspire to greatness and to be able to achieve their best in every sense.”

 

Rik Meek, the headteacher of Dartmouth Primary School and Nursery, said: “This is a unique opportunity for Dartmouth and for the two schools.

 

“An all-through academy will ensure a state of the art community school for the town which will enable all children to reach their maximum potential.”

 

Devon’s Cabinet Member for Schools and Skills, Christine Channon, said: “I think this is an extremely exciting proposal.

“It would be another ground-breaking development designed to improve and enhance education across the Dartmouth area.

 

Dartmouth county councillor Jonathan Hawkins is also supporting the proposals.

 

He said: “In my role as a governor I have seen the progress that both schools have already made. This is a chance to take those improvements to the next level and really put Dartmouth on the map as a leader in the field of education.”

 

The Director General of E-ACT, Sir Bruce Liddington, said: “As a sponsor, E-ACT supports academies as they prepare students to become successful citizens who contribute fully and effectively to their academy and the social and economic well-being of the wider community.

 

“Our academies make a significant contribution to the communities they serve – providing inspirational learning and opportunities for wider engagement with people in the community and partner organisations.”

 

South Devon College Principal, Stephen Criddle, said: “We are really pleased to expand further our work with Dartmouth learners and provide even great progression opportunities within the 14-19 partnership.”