Archived decisions

SPECIALIST SCHOOLS - COLLABORATIVE WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

1. The Executive Member is delighted to report that another eight schools in Hampshire have achieved specialist school status in a variety of different subjects. This brings to a total of 45 the number of secondary schools which have achieved this status, and fits in with the general approach of the County Council and the Secretary of State for Education and Skills that all schools should be encouraged to achieve specialist status. Other secondary schools in Hampshire are already working towards that aim.

2. The County Council's objective is to provide positive support to secondary schools which are seeking specialist status and to encourage schools to apply for specialisms which will complement those already in place. By doing so it will be possible to build on existing working relationships, including consortium and subject-specific networking, which will better facilitate the dissemination of best practice between schools, with resultant benefits in terms of the standards of teaching and learning achieved.

3. Given the rapid development of the specialist schools programme, the Executive Member for Education has reviewed the County Council's policy and has confirmed that support will be forthcoming provided that the following criteria are met:-

· secondary schools work with their linked primary and special schools


· secondary schools work with one another in local partnership


· secondary schools work with one another networking on subject-specific development across the Local Education Authority's area


· secondary schools work with post-16 providers to ensure progression and to share specialist facilities


· secondary schools work with the wider community for the mutual benefit of all learners, particular to share specialist facilities


· secondary schools work with other secondary schools nationally to share good practice.


To that end the County Council has offered support and encouragement to the development of consortium working relationships which have already been established in several areas of Hampshire, and will promote the extension of such networking and consortium arrangements. The County Council's approach is based on the sharing and movement of ideas amongst schools so that pupils' abilities can be developed across all subject areas, whichever school they attend.

4. The County Council remains committed to comprehensive, non-selective and inclusive education within Hampshire, and will not support any proposals which include selection by aptitude. The County Council's policies on admission and home to school transport are not affected. The County Council will, therefore, support applications for specialist school status where:-

· there is clear evidence of good practice and strategies for raising still further the quality of teaching and learning and the achievement of young people


· there is in existence a four year development plan which is challenging yet realistic and inclusive and which goes beyond the school's specialist subject


· there is a commitment to sharing resources with at least one other secondary school and linked primary schools, including special schools and the local community, so that good practice may be shared


· there is evidence of a proven track record of cooperation with other local schools


· there is evidence of substantial agreement for the bid from neighbouring schools, both primary, secondary and special


· there is a commitment by the school that it will not seek to attract pupils from beyond its traditional catchment area


· the proposal complements the existing and emerging pattern of special schools and their subjects


· there is support for the identified needs of partner schools, feeder primary schools, special schools and the local community

5. The Executive Member is confident that the revised policy will provide a further impetus for schools to work on a collaborative, partnership basis, thereby raising educational standards across the curriculum and across the County. The policy is consistent with aims 1, 4 and 5 of the Corporate Strategy.