The Academy Programme
Building Schools for the Future (BSF) is the biggest single government investment in improving school buildings for over 50 years. The aim is to rebuild or renew every secondary school in England over a 10-15 year period. Funding has been secured to either rebuild or remodel nine secondary and seven SEN (Special Educational Need) secondary schools in Manchester as part of the first wave of BSF with a total of 33 schools planned for investment.
At the same time, the Government seeks to reenergise comprehensive education, by encouraging every secondary school to aim for specialist status, a process that has meant their setting challenging targets for improvement and developing a clear mission.
Academies are being introduced in the areas of greatest challenge. These schools provide a more flexible curriculum, allowing tens of thousands of students to go on vocational courses or gain practical work experience so they can be better equipped for the world of work. These academies are supported by an unprecedented level of investment in teachers, computers, school buildings etc.
The Academies programme is about creating a new kind of secondary education, linked to the city’s employers and businesses. It is also about transforming failing and disadvantaged schools to enable every child to reach their full potential. Education is the key to social mobility, therefore a good education should be available to every child in the community. In areas where Academies have been set up, schools are improving at three times the national average in areas of the greatest challenge and disadvantage. Important to these schools are their ethos, their sense of purpose, the strength of their leaders, teachers and support staff, the motivation of their parents and students. Much of that comes from the can-do attitude of principals and staff, and the drive that their business and education sponsors bring to their development – backed by their willingness to innovate and use their freedom imaginatively.
Manchester is among the first wave of cities to develop Academies centred on innovative partnerships between education providers and local businesses. These partnerships are intended to transform the way in which children are educated. Manchester is building seven academies to integrate fully into their education system.
The Manchester Enterprise Academy will focus on developing students’ skills and attitude for the world of work, higher education or further training. Its sponsors – Manchester Airport, Willow Park Housing Trust, The Manchester College and Manchester City Council – will work with the Academy to provide real-life work experience, guidance and training for students.