Academy move to suit OSFC

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 18 November 2016


OLDHAM Sixth Form College is set to link up with Hathershaw College secondary school in a move which they say "promises great opportunities".

They plan to form a multi-academy trust (MAT) ­- a group of academies working together to maintain and improve standards ­- which would also have the scope to include "a small number" of other local primary and high schools. Both institutions are rated good by the education watchdog Ofsted, the second highest of four possible grades, and already work closely together.

They would remain separate organisations, retaining their names and curriculum. The sixth form college would also continue to work with other schools.

But they say the MAT would further improve the education provision for young people and bring financial benefits.

Consultation has now begun with students, staff, parents and others and the move would have to be approved by the Department for Education.

Andrew Kilburn, chairman of governors at the sixth form college, said: "Working in partnership will enable us to further improve our provision for young people, and support one another and other schools to secure better outcomes and progression for Oldham's young people.

"Through the overarching MAT structure, we will also be able to secure better value for money and ensure a greater proportion of our funding is invested in directly supporting our students."

Sixth form colleges have been given the opportunity this year to follow schools and become academies.

The Government wants them to do this by becoming part of established academy chains or set up their own if they are rated good or outstanding.

According to the national body the Association of Colleges, the main advantages to sixth form colleges are financial, such as VAT relief and potentially better access to some funding.

Hathershaw is already an academy and the sixth form college would convert to academy status. The MAT would start in September, 2017.

Hathershaw College principal Dave McEntee said: "This is a really positive development for both colleges.

"Our priority is Oldham's young people, building on the strengths of both organisations. We already work together in a number of contexts, including governance and staff development, so making this more formal and yielding the benefits this will bring is a natural next step.

"We are keen that Oldham schools have a strong, local MAT working across the different phases of education with which to work.

"As two successful colleges, we are confident we can provide support and challenge to help further improve our own and others' outcomes."

The plan is part of a review of post-16 education in Greater Manchester whose final recommendations had been expected to be published in June but have since been delayed.

Other proposals have included merging Oldham College with two other further education colleges, Tameside and Stockport.