Statutory consultation starts on education transformation

Statutory consultation has begun this week on Manchester’s plans to radically transform education in the city.

The consultation - 'Shaping the future for Manchester's children' - asks members of the public for their views on the opening of seven brand new Academies linked to industry and future economic growth areas in the city and also on the closure of five existing high schools to pave the way for the new schools.

The following drop in sessions for parents and carers will be held over the next few weeks across the city to provide more information and give people a chance to ask further questions about the plans:

Thursday 8 November 4 pm - 8 pm Plant Hill High School

Thursday 15 November 3:45 pm - 8 pm North Manchester High School for Boys

Wednesday 21 November 4 pm - 8 pm Parklands High School

Thursday 22 November 3:30 pm - 8 pm North Manchester High School for Girls

Thursday 29 November 3 pm - 8 pm Brookway High School

Academy sponsors and the Council are working together to progress Manchester's unique proposals that are very different from other Academies being established elsewhere nationally. It is expected that at least 120,000 new jobs will be created in Manchester over the next ten years and the city's Academy plans will ensure that local pupils are well placed to be able to benefit from this.

There will be six Academy specialisms including creative and media; communications; health; finance and business; the built environment; and business and enterprise.

Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council's Executive Member, Children's Services, said: "Our Academy plans are going to improve the life chances and future success of all pupils in the city by ensuring that they leave school with the right skills and qualifications to give them the best possible chance of accessing further and higher education and good jobs in the future.

"The opinions of local people, particularly those who will be most affected by these plans, really matter to us and now is the time for parents, pupils, staff, unions, and the wider local community to feed back to us and to let us know what they think about our proposals."

Parents of pupils at existing high schools proposed for closure will receive information packs for comment through their school. In addition information on specific proposals relating to individual schools can also be requested on telephone 0161 835 5885.

Comments on the proposals may be made in writing, via the internet, or by email, telephone or fax.

The current consultation period runs until 21 December. As well as parents and pupils, teachers, other school staff, trade unions, dioceses, and the wider local community are also being asked for their views.

All opinions expressed during the consultation period about school closures will be reported back to Manchester City Council and all those about Academy openings will be reported to the sponsors, Manchester City Council and to the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families).

Media contact:

Jane Lemon, tel: 0161 234 3179