Nothing but the best for every child

PROJECT launch . . . Estelle Morris with Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon

RAISING standards to give every child in Oldham the best possible start in life is the vision of Oldham’s new Education and Skills Commission.

Former Education Secretary Estelle Morris took a tour of Stoneleigh Academy in Derker to launch the 12-month project, which is designed to build on progress made in schools borough-wide.

Baroness Morris will chair the commission alongside four local commissioners — Anne Redmond of Kingfisher School, Julie Hollis of Blue Coat School, Oldham College principal Alun Francis and Jayne Clarke of Oldham Sixth Form College.

Outside knowledge will come from former Oldham schoolgirl Munira Mirza, now London’s deputy mayor for education and culture), James Farr (New Economy), Professor David Woods (University of Warwick and London Institute of Education), Professor Mick Waters (University of Wolverhampton), Professor Christine Jarvis (University of Huddersfield) and Professor Helen Gunter (University of Manchester).

The commission will meet quarterly to examine local education issues.

Baroness Morris said: “The final report (in a year’s time) should not make for comfortable reading. The aims set out in it should make people realise how high Oldham’s ambitions are.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “This is not a quick exercise. We need to make sure our children benefit from being a part of the largest city-region outside London.”