The Government has signed the ‘Statement of Intent’ document - the first step of the process to transform learning opportunities for young people in Birkenhead.

 

The decision is still subject to a consultation process with parents, pupils, staff and other interested parties but it could see two new multi-million pound schools in the borough in less than two years.

 

The proposal would see one mixed sex Academy and one boys Academy to serve current pupils at Park High, Rock Ferry High and Ridgeway high School.

 

The single sex boys Academy will have sports’ entrepreneur David Hughes as its sponsor along with the University of Liverpool, Birkenhead Sixth Form College and the Local Authority as its supporting sponsors.

 

The mixed Academy lead sponsor has been named as the University of Chester with Wirral Metropolitan College, and the Local Authority as supporting sponsors.

 

Councillor Phil Davies, Wirral’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is an extremely exciting development and the Council is very pleased to be working alongside our partners to give young people in Birkenhead the top class facilities they have always deserved.”

 

David Hughes, Lead Sponsor of the Birkenhead Boys Academy, said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to become the Lead Sponsor for the new boys’ Academy in Birkenhead.  The Academy will strive to set new standards of achievement by the youth of our town with the active involvement of the wider community.”

 

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “Academies embody the University of Chester’s commitment to ensuring that opportunities exist for all students to access the highest standards of teaching, to give them the best possible start in life. As Lead Sponsor of the mixed Academy, we would welcome the chance to explore an innovative curriculum in well-resourced facilities.”

 

Kathryn Podmore, Principal of Birkenhead Sixth Form College, said: "Birkenhead Sixth Form College is pleased to be working with the Local Authority in developing the 11-16 Academies. We believe The Sixth Form

College can play a valuable role in the development of the Academy programme and can bring a range of experience and expertise to the table."

 

Dr Anne Merry, Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Liverpool, said:  “The University has a long standing commitment to raising aspirations and attainment in Merseyside schools and will use its experience of working with two Academies in Liverpool to support all those involved in this exciting new project.”

 

Mike Potter CBE, Principal of Wirral Metropolitan College said: ‘We welcome this exciting, new initiative. As the largest provider of post 16 education and training in Wirral, the College already has good working links with the Borough’s Schools. Supporting 11-16 Academies will enable us to work in partnership to develop a strategic approach that will benefit young people for generations to come and we look forward to a close working relationship developing with our co-partners.’

 

Steve McMahon, Headteacher of Park High School, said: "This announcement will be welcomed by our students, parents and staff since it brings us one step closer to achieving our aim of bringing world-class facilities to support the outstanding learning and teaching which already takes place here."

 

Peter Bennett, Headteacher of Rock Ferry High School, said: “I am very pleased that the Statement of Intent has been signed and that progress is being made towards the establishment of the new Academies.

 

“I believe that the proposed Academies will build upon the excellent work that has been done at Rock Ferry High School, Ridgeway and Park.  The Academies will bring massive opportunities to the young people of Birkenhead and will enrich our communities. 

 

“The high quality and range of sponsorship announced today ensures that the Academies will benefit from a wealth of talent and experience.”

 

Pauline Roberts, Headteacher, of Ridgeway High School, said : “As a  Dual Specialist Business and Enterprise and Languages High Performing School judged by OFSTED as ‘Outstanding’ in every category we look forward to working in close partnership with the Lead Sponsors to secure even better pupil outcomes for all pupils in the new academies.

 

“Our proven track record of personalising the curriculum to meet the individual learning needs and abilities of pupils will provide a good foundation to assist with the development of the innovative learning pathways, which I am sure the sponsors will be keen to provide within the new Academies.”

 

Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "This is a glorious opportunity which has been seized to provide the very best technical education that will lead to skilled jobs. Halleluiah!"

 

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