Sponsor plan for 'Uni' academy school?

8:37pm Tuesday 4th December 2007

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EDUCATION bosses are to enter talks with the University of Bolton about sponsoring an academy school.

The University is one of the first in the country to come forward and express an interest in backing one of the Government's flagship institutions.

Ministers believe academies will boost standards by attracting funding from the private sector and influence from other organisations, such as universities.

Academies are already planned for Bolton at Hayward School in Morris Green and Withins School in Breightmet.

The university is not involved in either scheme but Vice Chancellor Dr George Holmes said it "whole-heartedly supported" the academies programme to help raise achievement and encourage more young people to go on to post-16 education.

He confirmed the university had been involved in discussions with the Government and had approached Bolton Council to express an interest in backing an academy school, along with an un-named benefactor.

"Helping to develop and support our community is part of our role as a university, as is inspiring young people to enter higher education," he said.

"We do a great deal already in this area, through our own community and education initiatives.The academies programme is an extension of this commitment to Bolton.

"It would be a structured, formal partnership.

"Our support would focus on bringing more young people into higher education and all the professional advantages that would give them in their careers to come."

Margaret Asquith, Bolton Council's director of children's services said there were currently no plans for additional academies in the borough.

But she added: "We are pleased the university has come on board to support education and raise aspirations among children.

"But the university's offer is something for us to consider and we will be in talks with them about how they can play a part in education in the town and improve opportunities for young people."