ROBERT BURNMILL ROAD, MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICS LE16 7JG SMYTH T 01858 440770 F 01858 440771 E [email protected] W www.rsacademy.co.uk ACADEMY
Market Harborough Academies Partnership (MHAP) (11-19) innovation excellence
CD/JM/SB 14th February 2014
Dear Parent/Carer
Re: The Market Harborough Academies Partnership Update
As detailed in our previous letter of November 2012, governors of the Welland Park and Robert Smyth Academies agreed to investigate the possibility of a merger of the two schools to form one 11 – 19 school on a split site. During our investigations we discovered that this proposal would be financially disadvantageous for both academies to the effect of £150k, given current funding arrangements with the Education Funding Agency.
After an extensive consultation process, a Multi–Academy Trust (MAT) to unite the two academies was proposed by governors in May 2013. Despite this being a slightly different structure, it would still involve the two academies working under the control of a single academy trust with combined governance, but without any financial penalty.
However, since that decision was made, there have been a number of significant developments for secondary education in the Harborough area and throughout the county. We have worked together to consider the impact of alterations to catchment areas as a consequence of proposed new admissions policies within other local schools and projected housing growth in Harborough. Governors of both academies feel the time is right to consider a significant reorganisation of secondary education in Market Harborough with an eye to the future.
Building upon our successful history of collaborative working we are both now considering the following model to commence in September 2016:
Changing age ranges of both academies simultaneously so that Welland Park Academy would change from 11–14 to 11–16, and Robert Smyth Academy would change from 14–19 to 11–19, both for Admissions 2016. The total numbers in each academy would initially be similar to the current Pupil Admission Number with a shared catchment area.
As always, we intend to work together to offer the best possible outcomes for our students and feel this proposal offers the following benefits:
Completely removing the transition between Key Stage 3 and 4 in each academy, facilitating a continuity of relationships with students, teachers and parents/carers.
This continuity should increase attainment and progress outcomes by building upon solid foundations created at key stage 3 and reducing the need for resources currently deployed in the physical transition between schools. This will lead to a further improvement of standards through key stages 3 – 5.
/cont ……………………………………………
Headteacher Colin Dean BA (Hons) MA Deputy Headteachers Philip Pope BA (Hons) Sue Jones BA (Hons)
Affiliated to the National Space Academy DfES designated Technology College
2
Increased choice for students and parents for key stages 3 and 4.
Opportunities to enhance partnership working across the key stages.
Managing projected population growth with investments in the current infrastructure provided by both secondary schools.
Improved recruitment and retention of staff with a greater range of key stages offered by both academies.
The final decision will be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State for Education.
As with the process for a merger or MAT formation, a full consultation of all stakeholders will be conducted in summer 2014. The governors at both academies will take all views into consideration when making their decision. If, however, you would like to share your thoughts or make your views known before the formal consultation period, please contact us on the e mail address below or make an appointment to come into school.
or letters to Mr M Corney, Chair of Governors at Robert Smyth Academy
Mr D Hedley, Chair of Governors at Welland Park Academy clearly marked ‘age range changes’.
Yours sincerely
C Dean Ms J McBrearty Headteacher Principal
Mr M Corney Mr D Hedley Chair of Governors Chair of Governors