Government launches chain schools system and extends scheme to primary schools
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has announced the first schools to be given the new Accredited Schools quality mark, giving them the right to operate chains of secondary schools through federations, trust schools and academies and announced the extension of the scheme to primary schools.
To achieve accreditation, providers have to demonstrate they have the following:
* sound governance
* highly effective leadership and management
* a strong model for managing and improving schools
* a track record of improving outcomes for children and young people
* the capacity to achieve transformational change in the schools they are supporting.
There are two levels of accreditation. Accredited School Providers (ASPs) will be eligible to take over up to two under-performing schools in need of rapid, sustainable school improvement. Those ASPs that are successful and develop the necessary capacity can apply to become Accredited Schools Groups (ASGs) leading three or more schools, as can those organisations already leading two or more schools and wishing to lead more.
From 1 April, all potential sponsors and providers wanting to support new National Challenge Trusts or sponsor new Academies will need to gain accreditation. Interested schools and organisations will be now able to apply for the quality mark. The first round of applications will run until 23 March, with further rounds to follow. The DCSF said that there are already 200 schools which can potentially become accredited, rising to at least 500 by 2015. By 2015, every school will have the opportunity to join a chain.
It was also announced that school chains will be invited to apply to lead school improvement in primary schools, following strong support for the creation of primary school chains during the consultation process.
“Over 5,000 more primary schools are above the floor target compared to a decade ago, but there are some who still need extra support and help. We expect local authorities to look to primary ASGs when looking at bringing about rapid and sustained improvement in their primary schools,” the Schools Secretary Ed Balls said.
The DCSF also announced a new right for parents to demand that local authorities take action to improve secondary school provision. In situations where a “significant group” of parents say they are dissatisfied with their local school leadership, the local authority will be required to ballot all parents on whether they want to bring in one of the Accredited Schools providers to turn things around.
In addition, where local authority surveys of parental satisfaction show dissatisfaction with the choice of schools in a particular area, they will be required to produce an action plan, including the option of bringing in accredited providers to take over existing schools.
Ed Balls said: “It’s right that parents drive change where it is needed, so this is our offer to parents: if your child is falling behind in the 3Rs, we will guarantee them extra help; and if your local schools are not doing well enough, and if you are dissatisfied with the progress your local school is making, you will be able to demand change and get a new and quality-guaranteed provider.”
The first round of successful Accredited School Groups for secondary schools are:
* Barnfield College, Luton
* Outwood Grange, Wakefield
* The Kemnal Trust, Bromley
* Woodard Schools
* Greenwood Dale Trust, Nottingham
* The Harris Federation.
The successful Accredited Schools Providers for secondary schools are:
* Middleton Technology College
* Coloma Trust
* Comberton Village College
* St John the Baptist School
* Dr. Challoner’s Grammar School
* The Compton School
* St. Patrick’s School
* Wildern School
* Chester University
* Bradford College
* Sunderland University
* Hull College
* Tudor Grange School.
