A new school for the future Contents 2 Welcome from Lord Carey 3 Why are we joining forces to create a new school? 4 What will our new school be like in practice? 7 What has happened so far? 8 What will happen next? 9 United Church Schools Trust 12 Our family of schools and academies

Welcome from Lord Carey Why are we joining forces to create a new school?

As Chairman of the United Church Schools Trust (UCST) I am delighted An analysis of the changing demographic characteristics of the area challenges to be faced through such a decision, the Governing Bodies to announce that Arnold School and King Edward VII and Queen Mary shows clearly that there is currently an oversupply of pupil places believe that by combining resources, expertise and vision Arnold KEQMS School will merge from 1st September 2012 to create a single new school at independent schools on the Fylde and in the wider region. The will be the finest all-age co-educational school in the region. It will set known as Arnold KEQMS (AKS). The new school will be based at the influence of these trends has accelerated recently and it is clear to the highest aspirations and cherish and strengthen the long and proud KEQMS site in Lytham and will build on the proud academic and inclusive members of the Governing Bodies of both schools that the quality history of each institution. Such collaboration will be more resilient to history of both schools. I am also delighted to announce that Jim Keefe and breadth of education on offer will suffer if this situation is not adverse demographic and market trends, will offer real value for money has been appointed Headmaster Designate of AKS. addressed in the near future. and will afford future generations of pupils the variety of opportunity associated with being part of a strong, vibrant, and thriving school. The Governing Bodies of both Arnold School, supported by UCST, and King In a bold and proactive response to this situation, the Governing Edward VII and Queen Mary School, supported by the Lytham Schools Bodies have taken the far-sighted decision to bring together these two The key benefits of this partnership include: Foundation, have applied their collective wisdom to the foundation of the very special schools. Whilst not underestimating the sensitivities and new school and believe that by combining their resources and working in Q Enhanced curricular and extra-curricular opportunities for each partnership Arnold KEQMS will provide an exceptional education for its individual pupil in which to shine. children both now and in the future. “The merger of Arnold School and KEQMS is to Q Access to benchmarking data and classroom based research from be celebrated. Under the leadership of Jim Keefe a national group of schools committed to the highest academic Bringing together two schools demands a high level of care and attention the new school will enjoy vitality, value for money, standards and forward-looking teaching methods. and you will be pleased to know that UCST has extensive experience high quality teaching & learning coupled with a in managing change of this type. The creation of a new school is a wide spectrum of sport, music and drama. All Q The financial strength and stability to invest in new technology, tremendous opportunity for collaboration which will provide the Fylde of this will be set in a culture of continuous building and facilities. with a leading of outstanding national reputation. improvement and will form the fundamental I am sure you will join me in wishing all those involved in Arnold KEQMS characteristics of Arnold KEQMS (AKS).” Q Financial provision for free or partially free places for 10% every success. Jerry Wooding OBE, Local Governing Body Chairman, of pupils. Arnold School, and member of UCST Board The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Lord Carey of Clifton Q Enhanced ability to recruit and retain the most talented, Chairman UCST committed and motivated staff.

2 A new school for the future A new school for the future 3 What will our new school be like in practice?

Our new school will have as its guiding principle the phrase “the Values and ethos best in everyone”. For all those involved in the foundation of Arnold KEQMS, this is a phrase which builds on a shared ethos of nurturing AKS will embrace the shared spirit of KEQMS and Arnold School as young people in all aspects of their development and on a striving for non-denominational Christian schools and will: excellence in everyone. Q Welcome pupils and staff of all faiths and none.

AKS will benefit from significant investment from UCST. When Arnold Q Build on the principles of respect, service and compassion – School first joined UCST, there was a commitment that UCST would themes at the heart of both the United Church Schools Trust invest £6.2 million in the redevelopment of some of the Arnold site. and the Lytham Schools Foundation. This earmarked investment will now be redirected to Arnold KEQMS to enable work on the site in Lytham to commence immediately a Q Build a community where each individual can feel happy, safe development plan is agreed. and respected.

Alongside outstanding pastoral care, the size and ambition of AKS Q Celebrate every sort of success. will enable it to offer a curricular and extra-curricular programme which will provide enhanced opportunities for academic and personal Teaching and learning excellence in a range of activities, including the performing arts, sport, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, and the Combined Arnold KEQMS will take pride in a curriculum which: Cadet Force. Q Enables every pupil to achieve their very best and increase in self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-esteem.

Q  Delivers quality and aspirational learning that is motivating, Staff Q Decisions about land, buildings and facilities will be taken as rewarding, fun and leads to success. quickly as possible after the full site audit in order to ensure that In staffing our new school for September 2012 it is anticipated that Q Values and encourages the importance of working both the new enlarged pupil body can be properly accommodated many staff from the predecessor schools will choose to be part of AKS. from September 2012. independently and with others. We accept, however, there may need to be some rationalisation of positions and staffing structures. Q Promotes the effective use of technology in achieving teaching Q Each classroom and teaching space will be fully equipped in line and learning goals. with UCST standards which include internet access, an interactive As part of the merger process all staff will benefit from the protection electronic whiteboard and learner response devices. Q Monitors learning to understand progress, inform teaching and afforded to them under employment law and the transfer of set clear targets. undertakings regulations. Q The outward bound facility in the Lakes operated by Arnold School will be available to AKS pupils. Teaching groups Land, buildings and facilities In order to ensure that Arnold KEQMS will provide an appropriate and Uniform Staff from both predecessor schools will work together to create stimulating learning environment: appropriately sized teaching groups at AKS for September 2012. The arrangements for uniform at Arnold KEQMS will be as follows: These will reflect the need for a balance of the following: Q It is the intention that AKS will be based at the KEQMS site in Q It will be based on a colour palette of blue and green, with an Lytham from September 2012. Q curriculum needs accent colour of red.

Q ability Q Pupils in our 6th form will wear business suits. “I am excited, confident and full of hope Q gender Q There will be a transition period which will enable children to that this merger will create an outstanding grow out of their existing uniform before they need to make a Q previous school independent school on the Fylde true to the new purchase. vision of the Lytham Schools Foundation. Q friendship groups. The guiding principle “the best in everyone” Q All pupils will need to be fully kitted out with AKS uniform by should inspire all participants to achieve September 2013 at the latest. We stress that we are committed to taking particular care of the needs personal excellence.” of those young people who are preparing for public examinations – Revd. Canon Godfrey Hirst, We realise that uniform, particularly blazers, can be an expensive those starting in Year 10 and Year 12 in September 2011. Both these Chairman, Lytham Schools item and to encourage a high uptake of AKS uniform for September year groups will be assured of continuity of curriculum, examination 2012 we plan to include within the fees package some assistance for boards and, where possible, continuity of teaching. parents in the purchase of the new uniform.

4 A new school for the future A new school for the future 5 Catering Past Pupil Association The AKS community will be provided with a balanced and nutritious AKS will take particular care to ensure that items of heritage from offering through UCST’s regional catering contract with Eurest. the current Past Pupil Associations are preserved and given suitable prominence in our new school but it is envisaged that: Under this arrangement: Q Arnold KEQMS will develop its own alumni body. Q Catering remains a local function led almost entirely by the school’s onsite Catering Manager. Q In time the Lidunians and Old Arnoldians may come together under an appropriate new banner, whilst still retaining ways to Q Our school can be responsive to its own needs and context, celebrate and treasure their own distinctive legacy and heritage. including where required, the purchase of local produce. There will be consultation with relevant stakeholders to assess how Parent Association best to achieve this. Arnold KEQMS will benefit enormously from the engagement and support of a Parents and Friends Association. It is envisaged that: Fees Given the volatile nature of the financial world, UCST believes it Q A unified association will be in place for September 2012. would be unwise to publish exact fee levels for AKS at this stage as it is not easy to predict what the future holds for us, even within the Q The association will offer a range of social occasions and Admissions activities to support and build the AKS community. relatively short time frame of 12 months. The admissions policy will be based on the principle that AKS should What has happened There will be consultation with relevant stakeholders to assess how We can, however, commit to the following for Arnold KEQMS: be an inclusive school which welcomes people of all faiths and of none. A full admissions policy will be made available by October 2011. best to achieve this. Q Fees for AKS will be harmonised at a reasonable level from so far? September 2012. Governance Q Fees will only increase beyond their current level if it is essential A Merger Board, with access to experienced advisors, has been set Arnold KEQMS will be owned and operated by United Church Schools to do so given the impact of external circumstances. up to drive forward the integration of the two schools. To date it has Trust with a single Local Governing Body (LGB) from September 2012. overseen the following: Q Economies of scale available to AKS through UCST will be The Chairman of the Arnold KEQMS LGB will be appointed by, and be leveraged so that it can operate more efficiently over time, a member and Trustee of, the UCST Board. Q Preliminary legal work, including extensive due diligence thereby allowing future fee increases to be moderated whilst exercises, which took place over the summer. allowing retention of sufficient funds to invest in the school. This LGB will: Q The agreement of binding resolutions to merge the schools which Q AKS parents will be able to take advantage of a range of fee Q Have 14 members - half appointed from each school. were accepted by United Church School Trust and by the Lytham payment mechanisms including payment by regular Direct Debit, Schools Foundation during the last week of August. by Credit or Debit card, or by using a ‘Fees in Advance’ option. Q Support AKS locally and to be a critical friend to the Headmaster. Q Charity Commission permission for the merger. Q  We also plan to include within the fees package some assistance for Consider strategic needs and monitor specific areas of the parents in the purchase of the new uniform and, for those with longer school’s operation, particularly education, finance, health and Q An interview process, involving the current Heads of both Arnold distances to travel, some assistance with the cost of the school buses. safety, welfare, and marketing. School and KEQMS, which was conducted at the end of August. The process was chaired by Lord Carey with a Selection Panel The Lytham Schools Foundation will continue as a separate charity and, consisting of two members from each of KEQMS, Arnold School Financial assistance whilst fulfilling its own duties as a separate charitable trust focussed on and UCST together with an independent panel member. A brochure detailing the financial assistance available at AKS will be provision of education in the region, will work in close partnership with published early in the Spring term 2012 for parents of current and UCST and give high priority to AKS in the allocation of its charitable funds. prospective pupils. “By building on the proud traditions and long histories of Arnold School and King Edward In summary: “Both King Edward VII and Queen Mary VII and Queen Mary School, this exciting collaboration offers tremendous opportunities Q There will be financial provision for free or partially free places School and Arnold School have a long to our children. Arnold KEQMS will provide its for 10% of pupils. tradition of success academically, in sport and the performing arts, as well as of rivalry own distinctive holistic education in a warm Q A grant making panel will be set up to formulate an open and forged in friendly competition. By taking the and caring environment, where our pupils will transparent process by which scholarships and fee assistance will strongest parts of the DNA of both schools, thrive on an exceptional range of academic and extra-curricular be offered in our new school from September 2012. Arnold KEQMS will offer an outstanding challenges.This partnership will enable us to invest in new standard of education to future generations.” technology and facilities and give talented children on the Fylde Q Those pupils at both schools who currently receive, or are due to the best possible education.” receive, scholarships and means tested bursaries will continue to Rob Karling, Headmaster, King Edward VII and Queen Mary School Jim Keefe, Headmaster, Arnold School do so for as long as they remain at AKS subject only, in the case of bursaries, to an annual financial reassessment.

6 A new school for the future A new school for the future 7 What will happen next?

The two schools will operate as normal during the academic year Q Ensuring the transfer of employment of KEQMS staff to UCST 2011/2012. Other than those which would have happened naturally, following the actual legal transfer of undertakings. KEQMS there will be no changes to staffing, curriculum or to teaching. catering staff will be invited to transfer under the TUPE During this period each school will still have its own Local Governing regulations to Eurest who currently hold the UCST contract for Bodies. The Chairman of the KEQMS LGB will continue to be The Revd catering in the region. Canon Godfrey Hirst and the Chairman of the Arnold School LGB will continue to be Jerry Wooding OBE. Q Commissioning a full professional assessment of the Arnold site in in order to determine the best use of the land in the The Merger Board will continue to drive forward the integration of future. It is likely that some of the Arnold site may be sold but the two schools and will focus on the experience of pupils, staff and that the remaining portion may be retained for use by the new parents so as to ensure minimum disruption in the lead up to the school. completion of the formal merger in September 2012. Q Facilitating consultation with appropriate stakeholders with regard to: Next steps include: Qthe nature and timing of the merging of the Alumni Q Conducting the interview process for the Head of Junior School associations. Q at AKS. the nature and timing of the merging of the Parents associations. Q Facilitating consultation with appropriate stakeholders with Q  regard to matters such as uniform design and supply, and bus Convening a number of joint working sessions to include routes to AKS. members of both Local Governing Bodies.

Q Producing a site audit and development plan for Arnold KEQMS During the merger period there will also be widely publicised in Lytham. information and consultation sessions for parents, staff and pupils and we will publish regular merger newsletters on both schools’ Q Overseeing the remaining legal work culminating in the final websites in order to keep you up to date with progress. transfer of the undertaking in early November.

Q Completing the required staff TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment Regulations) consultation which focuses on the planned changes which affect all staff in both schools as well as those changes which affect individuals. United Church Schools Trust

The United Church Schools Trust was founded as an educational Being part of the UCST family of schools brings many other benefits charity in 1883 with the aim of creating schools offering an excellent to each member school, including: academic education based on Christian principles of service and tolerance. Today UCST provides very high quality education to more than Q Cost efficiencies, greater financial stability and permanency. 8,000 pupils through owning and managing twelve preparatory schools Q Access to world class technology for teaching, learning and and ten senior schools across the country. In most cases a preparatory administration. and senior school operate together to offer education from Early Years through to 6th form. UCST also has a separately funded subsidiary Q Professional communities of shared practice for Heads, Principals charity, the Trust, which sponsors 20 academies and and other specialist practitioners. one CTC to assist children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. This activity is recognised as a beacon of good practice in Q Outstanding professional training and development opportunities public-private partnership and in any assessment of charitable status for all staff. demonstrates a clear commitment to public benefit. Q Fully integrated availability of high class professional services. UCST has a bold investment policy. During the last 20 years we have Within the UCST family we work together to share best practice and invested more than £130 million in new and improved buildings, support each other. We value each school’s individuality and each technology, professional development and high quality educational school is actively encouraged to pursue its own character and style. resources. Our rigorous pursuit of quality and value within a context of sound financial management and careful cost control provides a solid foundation for strong growth across the group. This gives clear Further information regarding UCST schools can be found on signals to all our parents, pupils and staff that we are committed to the website www.ucst.org.uk creating the best possible learning environment for all our children. 8 A new school for the future A new school for the future 9 Arnold School has a proud history as a King Edward VII and Queen Mary School has vibrant and caring family school where a proud history as a place where generations pupils are equipped to contribute to, and of young people have been inspired to achieve lead, society and are prepared to face the personal excellence in a supportive, caring and challenges of life beyond school. disciplined community.

Q 1896: founded by Frank Truswell Pennington as South Q 1719: A flood disaster on the Fylde resulted in a relief fund being Shore Collegiate School, it then moved to its present established which would become the Lytham Schools Foundation. site in Lytham Road where it adopted the site’s former Its motto, ‘Sublimis ab unda’, means “raised from the wave”. school’s name of , named after Dr Thomas Arnold, Headmaster of . The name Q 1908: The foundation opens King Edward VII School for boys. was later amended to Arnold School. Q 1930: The foundation opens Queen Mary School for girls. Q 2008: Joined UCST as the Trust’s lead school in the region. Q 1999: KEQMS is formed by the amalgamation of these two schools. Q 2010: the Independent Schools Inspectorate reported that pupils’ academic talents are developed by combining Q 2010: the Independent Schools Inspectorate reported that the best elements of traditional teaching with modern KEQMS is a place with a cheerful, well-disciplined manner educational thinking and by promoting core values of where confident, articulate and well-adjusted young people independent thought, strength of character and teamwork display a sense of responsibility, and are evidently happy through the curriculum, sport, drama and music, as well as and secure. Relationships between teachers and pupils are a “breathtaking” range of other extra-curricular activities. considered outstanding. Academically, in sport and in the This array of opportunities, combined with outstanding performing arts, each pupil is enabled to grow in confidence pastoral care, marks the school out as a place which and fulfil their personal potential through individual effort, successfully nurtures articulate and compassionate young teamwork and a wide variety of curricular and extra-curricular people of integrity. opportunities for development.

Further information about Arnold School can be Further information about KEQMS can be found on the found on the website www.arnoldschool.com website www.keqms.co.uk

10 A new school for the future A new school for the future 11 Our family of schools and academies 3 10 1 3 10 1 UCST Schools 3 5 10 UCST1 Arnold School Schools 1 5 1 Arnold School UCST2 Schools 5 2 Ashford School 31 BournemouthArnold School Collegiate School 43 CaterhamBournemouth Schoo Collegiatel School 1 2 Ashford School 1 7 54 GuildfordCaterham HighSchoo Schooll 1 20 2 3 Bournemouth Collegiate School 121 18 7 5 16 14 64 Hampshire Collegiate School 720 2 1 12 13 18 1 16 14 76 HullHampshire Collegiate Collegiate School School 7 7 5 Guildford High School 20 213 8 12 18 87 LincolnHull Collegiate Minster SchoolSchool 16 14 6 Hampshire Collegiate School 7 8 13 8 97 RowanHull Collegiate Preparatory School School 8 9 Rowan Preparatory School 108 SunderlandLincoln Minster High School School 10 Sunderland High School 119 SurbitonRowan Preparatory High School School 4 11 High School 10 Sunderland High School 9 4 ULT Academies 11 3 9 10 10 4 ULT1 AccringtonAcademies 1 1 10 9 ULT2 BarnsleyAccringtonAcademies Academy Academy UCST Schools 2 5 19 31 BedeBarnsley Academy Academy 1 Arnold School 17 10 11 Academy 196 43 KetteringBede Academy Buccleuch Academy 17 11 11 2 2 Ashford School 9 6 4 54 TheKettering King’s Buccleuch Academy Academy 5 11 19 2 3 Bede Academy 3 Bournemouth Collegiate School 17 9 11 4 65 The King’s Academy 6 5 6 2 4 LambethKetteringAcademy Buccleuch Academy 8 11 4 Caterham School 6 1 6 9 75 ManchesterLambeth Academy Academy 1 3 815 5 4 2 The King’s Academy 7 5 Guildford High School 7 20 2 15 86 MidhurstManchester Rother Academ Collegy e 12 3 6 18 6 8 16 14 Hampshire Collegiate School 98 7 7 NorthamptonManchester Academ Academyy 13 3 15 7 109 8 NorthMidhurst Oxfordshire Rother Colleg Academe y 8 8 Lincoln Minster School 1110 North Oxfordshire Academy 9 PNorthamptonaddington Academ Academyy 1211 9 Rowan Preparatory School 10 SalfordNorth Oxfordshire City Academy Academy 1312 10 Sunderland High School 11 PSheffieldaddington Park Academ Academyy 1413 11 Surbiton High School 12 SheffieldSalford City SpringsParkAcademy Academy Academy 1514 4 13 ShorehamSheffield SpringsPark Academy Academy Academy 9 161514 ULT Academies 14 StockportSheffield Springs Academ Academyy 171614 Academy 15 SwindonShoreham Academ Academyy 10 1 1817 1614 TrinityStockport Academ Academy y 2 Barnsley Academy 18 Trinity Academy 191714 SwindonWalthamstow Academ Academyy 19 3 Bede Academy 17 11 1914 2018 WilliamWalthamstow Hulme’s Academy Grammar School 6 4 Trinity Academy 11 Kettering Buccleuch Academy 20 William Hulme’s Grammar School 9 1914 4 5 The King’s Academy ULT City Technology College 5 2 20 William Hulme’s Grammar School 6 ULT1 City Technology College 6 Lambeth Academy Emmanuel College 8 1 7 Manchester Academy ULT EmmanuelCity Technology College College 3 15 8 Midhurst Rother College 1 Emmanuel College 9 Northampton Academy 10 North Oxfordshire Academy 11 Paddington Academy 12 Salford City Academy 13 Park Academy 14 Sheffield Springs Academy 15 Shoreham Academy 1614 17 Swindon Academy 18 Trinity Academy 1914 Walthamstow Academy 20 William Hulme’s Grammar School

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