Pinning faith in new free school

Some of the those behind the new Collective Spirit Free School at the Hollies, Werneth

A CONTROVERSIAL military-style school for Oldham has been rejected in favour of an all-inclusive “faith sensitive” secondary.

The government has turned down proposals for Phoenix Free School staffed entirely by ex-military personnel, with a focus on basic standards and discipline.

But Collective Spirit is among 102 new free schools approved for England. It hopes to open at the former Hollies mental health resource centre in Frederick Street, Werneth, in September 2013.

Collective Spirit believes parents want their faiths better represented in school, but who want to avoid single faith or segregated schools.

Free schools are semi-independent, state-funded and run by groups such as charities, religious bodies, parents and education chains.

There are currently 24, each with more control over curriculum, teachers’ pay and conditions, term times and the school day.

Collective Spirit’s catchment area aims to ensure a mix of pupils. It will start with 50 year 7 pupils and eventually have a maximum of 250 in years 7 to 11.

Pupils will study for an English Baccalaureate made up of English, maths, science, history and a foreign language.

Other skills and subjects will be taught in partnership with local schools and businesses.


Collective spirit
THE people behind Collective Spirit all live or have worked in Oldham. They are of different faiths and no faith.

They are:

Bernard Phillips, head teacher of Breeze Hill School from 1991 until it closed in 2011. He has advised the government on children and young people in asylum.

Raja Miah, who set up PeaceMaker in 1997 and was in charge until he left three years ago. He advises the government on counter-terrorism and is setting up a youth leadership programme in Manchester.

Former Breeze Hill deputy head teacher Martin Potts.

Shamin Miah, senior lecturer in religion and education at Huddersfield University.

Alun Morgan, businessman with a background in construction who advises local authorities.

Nick Hancock, senior partner at UHY Hacker Young Associations chartered accountants.

Mimisha Mistry, equity and diversity manager at Hopwood Hall College.

Catherine Dobson, executive head teacher of two Aston primary schools.

Virindar Kalra, senior lecturer in sociology at Manchester University

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