Schools united in co-operation

Uniting the schools under a new charitable trust

FOUR schools have unveiled plans to form the borough’s first co-operative trust.

Hathershaw College of Technology and Sport wants to join up with three primaries from September 1 — Broadfield, Holy Rosary RC and St Martin’s.

They would be part of a charitable trust with the Co-operative, Liverpool’s John Moores University, Oldham Sixth Form College, Oldham Athletic Community Trust and NHS Oldham, the borough’s primary care trust.

And it would be one of the first in the country to have the theme of lifelong learning, involving everything from John Moores University running foundation degrees for parents to drop-in health sessions.

It would also be able to bid for funding which is not available to schools and provide more opportunities for things such as teaching away from the classroom, enterprise events and new facilities.

Hathershaw head teacher Carol Cawkwell will meet Schools Secretary Ed Balls tomorrow to outline the plans.

She said the lifelong learning focus would raise aspirations, and added: “It’s going to be great. This is bringing a lot to West Oldham and I think it is going to play a major part in the regeneration of the area and raising pupils’ aspirations.

“It is good for Oldham and we are really excited about it.”

Trust schools are part of the Government’s drive to offer more choice to parents. The aim is to get away from “one-size-fits-all education”, forge community links and develop partnerships.

Schools continue to be funded by the local authority but gain powers similar to voluntary aided schools such as Blue Coat and Crompton House.

The West Oldham Co-operative Trust would appoint some of the governors, and the governing bodies would employ staff and set admission arrangements. However, pupils at the three primaries could be given priority for places at Hathershaw.

A trust council would also be set up to get more parents involved.

A consultation event will be held at Holy Rosary RC Primary, Fir Tree Avenue, at 3.15pm tomorrow. Others have already been held at Broadfield, Hathershaw and St Martin’s.

People have until May 8 to give their views and they will also have a chance to comment this summer before the final decision is taken.

The trust would then open on September 1 and Mrs Cawkwell added: “For most people that won’t look any different: the same teachers on the same terms and conditions in the same buildings with the same head teachers.

“But you will soon see a lot of collaborative work which will bring a very exciting package.”