THE PROPOSAL
The Council believes that an academy, with up to £25m available, offers a fantastic opportunity to create an environment that would provide an excellent education to all children.
The DfES is especially keen to support Darlington’s proposal that the academy should work in partnership with other schools across the Borough to raise educational achievement.
Ada Burns, Chief Executive of Darlington Council, said: “We are delighted that the Government has given us the opportunity to build a state of the art academy for Darlington.
"We are keen to make sure that every parent, employer and indeed everyone in the Borough has the chance to hear about our vision for education and the part that the academy can play in this. Academies have a strong record of improving achievement and have proved hugely popular with pupils and parents."
WHY AN ACADEMY?
The Council decided to look at the possibility of having an academy in Darlington because it provides a tremendous opportunity to raise achievement, it addresses the need for multi-million pound investment in school buildings that are no longer fit for purpose and removes surplus places.
The Academy would ensure there are enough school places in the east side of the town and that levels of education achievement across the Borough continue to rise.
THE SPONSOR
The new academy will be sponsored by the Church of England, which will contribute up to ten per cent of the funding.
The Church, which as sponsor has a key role in leading the governing body of the Academy, has pledged its commitment to working with the local communities and the Council.
The Rt Rev John Pritchard, Bishop of Jarrow, Chair of the Board of Education in the Diocese, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting development which will play an important role in the social and economic regeneration of the east of Darlington. Excellent teaching and learning in a new environment will transform secondary education across the whole town.
“We will bring with us experience and the opportunity for innovation, which will benefit the wider family of local schools through secondary school partnership, which could also be based at the new academy.”
John Williams Leader of Darlington Council, said: “This is great news. Everyone in Darlington can have confidence in the Church’s moral integrity and nationally recognised reputation for providing quality, high achieving schools. I look forward to the Council and our partners working together to deliver an academy rooted in the Eastbourne community.”