17 - Dudley Council secures sponsorship for new academies

 

Oasis Community Learning has been invited by Dudley Council to submit a formal ‘expression of interest’ to sponsor two academies - one to replace the existing Crestwood and Pensnett schools, and a second to develop Castle High as an academy. 

 

Oasis Community Learning is part of the Oasis group of charities and was formed to work with the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) in delivering the national academies programme. 

 

The new academy to replace Pensnett High and Crestwood school will be based on the Crestwood site to serve the Kingswinford South, Brockmoor and Pensnett communities.  The second new academy will be on the Castle High site serving St James’s ward.

 

The capital for the buildings and the revenue for staff will come directly from the government.  Oasis will put in additional resources such as the appointment of staff to manage the integration and to support local provision for young people.

 

All pupils at Crestwood and Pensnett will be guaranteed places at their new academy and pupils at Castle will also have the same guarantee at their new academy.  Both are anticipated to open in September 2009 in the existing buildings of the old schools, but will be eventually replaced by new, state-of-art, purpose built, landmark facilities.

 

In conjunction with Oasis a series of informal consultative meetings will be held at the schools in early September 2008.  Formal consultation will follow later in the autumn term.

 

 

“Investing for the future is fundamental to inspiring learning for future generations.  By working with Oasis Community Learning, we aim to secure the best provision for children, young people and local communities.  Further consultation will be carried out with the children, parents, staff, governors and communities.”

 

“The new academies will provide learning environments fit for 21^st century secondary education.  This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.”

 

 

“We are looking forward to the opportunity of working with Castle, Pensnett and Crestwood schools as well as Dudley Council on these exciting plans. Oasis’ goal is to ensure that the two new academies are examples of excellence and innovation, building on the strengths and experience of the three existing schools, raising aspirations and providing direct benefits for our students, their families and the wider communities.”