ACADEMY PLANS TAKE STEP FORWARD
PLANS for a new academy to help boost educational achievements in Darlington have been supported by the Government and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, Lord Andrew Adonis.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has approved an Expression of Interest from Darlington Council for an academy for Eastbourne School to be built in the town.
The Council submitted the detailed proposals earlier this year and is delighted to have secured the Government’s backing.
The scheme will now be the subject of a feasibility study, which will go into more in-depth detail about the plans.
It will set out the vision for education in the school, issues surrounding the design of the academy and involve consultation with the local community.
Chris McEwan, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “This is an important step forward in developing an academy, which I know will bring about improved opportunities for young people in the south-east of the town.”
Margaret Asquith, Darlington Council’s Director of Children’s Services, said: “It is excellent news that the DfES has approved the Expression of Interest for an academy in Darlington.
“The plans represent an exciting future for Eastbourne and are just part of our on-going commitment to raising standards of achievement there.”
Elaine Richardson, Head teacher of Eastbourne School, said: "It is great news that Lord Adonis has given his full support to the Academy plan. We are still in the feasibility stage but his backing is great boost for everyone at school."
Expression of Interest in an Academy for Darlington (Adobe PDF document)
Expression of Interest in an Academy for Darlington - Appendix A (Adobe PDF document)
Expression of Interest in an Academy for Darlington - Appendix B (Adobe PDF document)
