Community Back Academy Proposal

Authority grants closure of predecessor school

Plans for a new academy in Accrington have been welcomed by the local community, with 77% of respondents to the consultation survey in support of the proposals.

Lancashire County Council (LCC) has also approved the closure of Accrington Moorhead Sports College (which the academy will replace), bringing the project a step closer to reality.

Both announcements follow the publication of the findings of an independent consultation by education consultants Dame Jocelyn Barrow and Dawn Hill of DJB Consultancy into the academy proposals.

Under the proposals, the academy would open in September 2008, operating in the existing Queens Road West premises, with new and refurbished accommodation available from September 2010. The academy will incorporate a dedicated Sixth Form, state-of-the-art ICT, a learning resource centre and a multi-purpose hall, drama and recording studios and sports facilities, available for use by the wider community.

The independent consultation, which took place from September to November 2007, focused on the key issues of the academy’s 11-18 intake and development, admissions policy, ethos, curriculum, specialism, governance, community involvement and wider usage.

The consultation process included:

• A consultation document issued to Moorhead parents, students, staff, governors, prospective parents, key educational stakeholders and the wider community;
• A series of public meetings;
• Face-to-face interviews with stakeholders including Lancashire County Council (LCC), the Head Teacher of Moorhead, staff and governors, community groups and trade unions;
• Focus groups with Moorhead students and parents;
• A questionnaire distributed to more than 1,200 parents, prospective parents and staff. The response rate was 14%. The survey was prepared and analysed by an independent market research agency.

The key findings of the consultation were as follows:

• Support: 77% of respondents to the survey support the proposal (with the greatest support from prospective parents [96%] and current parents [88%]);
• Priorities: The priorities of parents and students are improved GCSE results, maintaining the level of teaching staff, having a family atmosphere and having sports facilities;
• Ethos: The proposed ethos of respect, service, compassion, discipline and hard work is strongly supported by all respondents;
• Ongoing improvements: Stakeholders wanted the improvements made at Moorhead to be maintained and accelerated;
• Community use: Over half (52%) of respondents are interested in evening classes, with about the same number (54%) interested in computer access. An extension of the sports provision to include an all-weather pitch and facilities that can contribute to a healthy lifestyle was also requested;
• Governance: A number of stakeholders asked about the Governing Body, for example how it would be established.
• Special Educational Needs (SEN): Key stakeholders called for more teaching assistants/mentors and an improved environment to enhance the organisation and learning support provided for SEN students;
• Gifted and talented: Key stakeholders sought assurances that the academy would have a policy to address the needs of gifted and talented students.

Proposals for a 250 place Sixth Form at the academy received strong support from stakeholders, with co-operation between the academy, schools and colleges in Accrington seen as crucial to its success. Parents’ most frequently mentioned reason for supporting the academy proposal was the provision of post-16 education, with 91% agreeing that it would provide better prospects for students.

When questioned about the proposed academy’s specialisms of mathematics and sport supported by themes of business and enterprise and ICT, the majority (80%) of respondents to the survey felt that the specialisms would meet the needs of the students, school and the community.

Dame Jocelyn Barrow said:

"I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to take part in the consultation. The overall findings show the majority of stakeholders support the change of Moorhead to academy status and as such, I am able to recommend the proposal for Accrington Academy to proceed."

Consultation responses will now be considered by ULT and LCC before the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and the Family’s approval is sought for the academy.

* In addition to Dame Jocelyn’s consultation, Lancashire County Council held its own consultation regarding the closure of the Accrington Moorhead Sports College, which was followed by the decision to close the School. This now paves the way for the academy, pending funding approval from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Welcoming the news, County Councillor Vali Patel, Cabinet Member for Schools said:

"I am delighted that there is such overwhelming support for the academy from parents and prospective parents, as this will be a key factor in its success.

"The academy will greatly add to the strength and diversity of educational provision, not just for current and future pupils but for the whole community. It will build on previous investment and achievements, and provide a valuable resource for post-16 education in the area."

For further details regarding the consultation, please view the consultation report. Home