University supports plans for new East Reading school
Thursday, 24 March 2011
'The University would be providing the school with in-kind support such as curriculum development, mentoring and volunteering with the goal of raising the aspirations of its pupils to progress into further and higher education and training.'
The University is lending its support to proposals for a new school for 11-19 year olds in East Reading.
Reading East MP, Rob Wilson, with backing from Reading College/Oxford and Cherwell Valley College, Reading Boys Grammar and involvement of the University, will be bidding for Department of Education funding under the Government's policy for setting up independent schools.
The need for a new school in east Reading for children aged 11 and over has been identified by the local education authority and is recognised by local Reading and Wokingham Borough parents. The proposal is for a new school offering both academic and technical pathways. A site for the new school has been identified and the next stage will involve discussions with local parents.
Rob Wilson MP said: "We envisage the new school offering local pupils the chance to follow either an academic education or a combination of academic and technical studies. These pathways should not be regarded as mutually exclusive. There should be a common focus on excellence and rigorous standards whether a child is more interested in an academic education or in developing technical skills."
Professor Rob Robson is leading on the project for the University. "The University's involvement in this project is part of its commitment to widening participation and will form part of a future Access Agreement with OFFA, along with plans for broadening contact with existing schools in the area. The University would be providing the school with in-kind support such as curriculum development, mentoring and volunteering with the goal of raising the aspirations of its pupils to progress into further and higher education and training. The University would not be contributing direct funding to the initiative.
"As well as delivering general academic programmes, it is anticipated that this new school would specialise in high-technology areas like digital engineering, which would fit well with areas of the university's own research expertise. We would be hopeful that there would be progression routes for pupils into the University's programmes. "
Read press coverage of the announcement of the project: