UK’s first education trust launched

 

The Halesowen Education Trust is the first of its kind in the UK.

 

The area’s secondary schools, The Earls High, Windsor and Leasowes, have formed a Trust federation with Halesowen College, with the support of the University, Dudley Local Authority and business partners.

 

Its role is to provide opportunities for progression for students from the three schools and the college, with the University encouraging them to aspire to higher education.

 

The Trust was launched at The Earls High on December 10 with a telephone conference with Schools Minister Jim Knight. He talked about the opportunities the Trust would create and also spoke to students.

 

Officials from the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ City Challenges – a £160 million scheme to boost schools in the Black Country, London and Greater Manchester - met the heads of the schools and members of the Trust board, along with local MP Sylvia Heal.

 

Professor Sir Geoff Hampton, Pro Vice Chancellor for Education Partnerships at the University and Chief Adviser of the Black Country Challenge, has chaired the Trust Board and expressed his delight at the launch.

 

“This is an innovative and exciting initiative which will increase the range of opportunities for Halesowen students, who will benefit from a wider curriculum offering and clear opportunities for progression, “he said.

 

“The combination of the three successful schools will give the widest possible access to specialist facilities with students moving between different locations in pursuit of their studies.

 

“Added to this will be the courses offered by the College and University which will mean that the potential for studying through to degree level has never been more straight forward."

 

Board members for the Trust include Sir Geoff Hampton (Chair), the West Midlands Institute of Directors, Skillforce, Rathbone, Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council.