Academy Status

In 2010 the coalition government passed the Academy Act, which introduced a new opportunity for schools judged ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects of their practice to convert to a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy with greater freedom to determine the way in which schools are organised, as well as secure additional funding opportunities.

In June 2010 Ridgeway High School was yet again judged ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects of its practice. The school was then invited by the Government to submit an expression of interest in the possible future conversion to a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy.

Following the decision taken on 27th June 2010 at an Extraordinary Governing Body meeting, an initial expression of interest was submitted to the Department for Education in June 2010.

Since the initial submission of interest to convert to a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy, the Governing Body of Ridgeway High school has been closely monitoring this National policy initiative. It now believes it is the right time to proceed with an application to convert the school into one of the ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academies.

Informal Consultation with Parents, Carers and pupils

Thank you for your valued participation in the discussions which have taken place informally over the last few weeks about the proposed plans for the future direction of the school.

Many of you have already discussed informally with my staff and I the proposed plans to convert to a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy in the next few months.

At a series of meetings, held in school over the past few weeks, members of staff have been informally involved in outlining to you the potential advantages and benefits of conversion to a ‘New Style’ Academy.

In addition discussions have also taken place about what additional activities, learning opportunities and services you would like to see offered to the community as part of the forward planning for the Community Centre which will be managed by the school in the near future.

Please refer to Attachment 1 (Timeline)

I have posted details on the school website of your ideas and suggestions recorded in the four discussion groups as part of the Future of Ridgeway evening held on Wednesday 8th June 2011.

Formal Consultation

Before the Governing body submit their final application to convert to a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy the Governors have requested that I undertake a formal consultation with our staff, parents, carers, pupils and stakeholders about this proposal.

It has been agreed by the Governing Body that the formal consultation period to collect views and feedback will be from 9am Tuesday 28th June to Tuesday 12th July at 4pm.

The Governing Body will then decide whether or not to apply for Academy Status on the basis of what it believes to be in the best interests of the pupils, staff and school, having carefully considered the comments received from parents, carers, staff, pupils and stakeholders in the wider community.

The following principles would continue to underpin all aspects of our work:

Ridgeway High is proud to be a non-selective mixed comprehensive school and will continue to offer an outstanding teaching and learning experience to all young people in our school community.
We are proud to have a distinctive uniform which members of the local community recognise-we will not change the school’s name or uniform if the school becomes an Academy.
The school will continue to share its facilities and staff with the local community. A decision to convert to Academy Status will build on our current partnerships.
The school is committed to working with other providers to extend the effective partnerships which it currently has with local businesses and community organisations. This will offer further enhanced opportunities for pupils at Ridgeway High School.
Ridgeway High School is committed to working with other schools collaboratively to raise standards of pupil attainment, strengthen Curriculum and Leadership & Management arrangements in schools.

You are invited to read Attachment 2 entitled:

What changes with a ‘New Style’ Centre of Excellence Academy conversion?

This summarises many of the key areas for consideration when converting to a new style academy. You can find additional advice about the conversion process on the DfE website at:

www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/typesofschools/academies

Governors and I welcome any comments or questions you may wish to put in writing, or by email to the Headteacher’s PA Jayne Lloyd at j.lloyd@ridgeway.wirral.sch.uk who will forward your comments to the Governing Body of Ridgeway High School.

Alternatively you can write, marking letters ‘Private and Confidential-Academy Proposal’ and addressed to Ms Jane Gordon, who will share the contents with the Governing Body.

Yours sincerely

Jane Gordon

Chair of Governors
Ridgeway High School

Pauline Roberts

Headteacher
Ridgeway High School

Downloads

Academy - Conversion Timeline

Academy - Centre of Excellence

Examination Results 2010 - 2011

100% of pupils gained 5+ A*-C
100% of pupils gained 5+ A*-G
61% of pupils gained 5+ A*-C including English & Maths
85% of pupils gained 10+ A*-C including English & Maths
As a High-Performing Specialist School, Ridgeway is particularly delighted with the results of its community programme, especially in relation to our Languages specialism: 100% of candidates taking Chinese at A/S Level were awarded Grade A.

Noctorum Avenue, Prenton, Wirral, CH43 9EB•Telephone: 0151 678 3322•Fax: 0151 678 6571•Email: schooloffice@ridgeway.wirral.sch.uk