Now public get say on Bournemouth school academy plan

7:00am Wednesday 8th July 2009

By Jane Reader

PLANS to transform a Bournemouth secondary school go out to public consultation from next week.

If approved, Bishop of Winchester will become a Church of England academy with 200 more pupils and a sixth form from August next year.

Consultation packs outlining the proposals are currently being sent out to parents, carers, teachers, school governors and other interested parties.

They will be invited to approve the change to an academy, vote for no change or suggest other options.

The school was called Summerbee until 2004 and was at one point placed in special measures because of the unacceptable standard of education being offered at the Mallard Road site.

It became the Bishop of Winchester five years ago and dramatic improvements have been made.

Its latest Ofsted inspection, just published, describes it as “a good school in which students achieve well”.

And inspectors added: “The school is a calm, orderly place where students enjoy good relationships with staff and friendships with each other. Students are well cared for – good information is available to help promote their wellbeing.”

However, Bournemouth council thinks standards can go even higher and has proposed the changes under the national Building Schools for the Future programme.

Sponsors of the new academy will be the Diocese of Winchester, Winchester University, Bournemouth School and Bournemouth School for Girls.

It will specialise in enterprise and innovation and mathematics and will have extended opening hours so it can be used by the wider community.

“Over the past year Bournemouth Children’s Services, the school governors and the Diocese of Winchester have worked hard to bring together a group of academy sponsors that we feel will enable the school to continue on its trajectory to success,” said Bournemouth education chief Jane Portman.

And Tony Blackshaw, speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Winchester, added: “We believe that every young person should be able to reach his or her God-given potential.

“It is our belief that a Christian academy infused with Christian values is the very best for our children and young people.”

Head teacher Paul McKeown added: “It is the children who have turned the school around. I give all credit to the students and to may really hard-working staff.”

Consultation will run until September 30 and a public consultation meeting will be held at the school on Monday, September 14, from 6.30pm until 8pm.