Published: Thursday, 19th June, 2008 16:00
Prospects look good after specialist status bid succeeds
By Annabel Williams
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THERE was good news for a west Reading school yesterday (Wednesday) – its hard work towards a prestigious national accreditation has paid off.
Prospect School has succeeded in its bid to become a specialist sports and ICT college, unlocking at least £600,000 of Government money over four years to enhance pupils’ learning.
The Cockney Hill secondary will launch its specialist status at the start of the new school year in September, enabling it to build on its current practice of developing physically, emotionally and
educationally healthy young people.
The school will get students to use the idea of achieving their
personal best to drive standards up and develop youngsters who are determined to succeed, whatever their academic, sporting or personal goal.
And the news is not only good for Prospect but also its partner schools, including nearby St Michael’s Primary, Moorlands and Churchend primaries in Tilehurst, The Holy Brook School and Blessed Hugh Faringdon School, both in Southcote, Highdown School in Emmer Green, and the Reading borough’s children’s centres.
Prospect was included in a wave of nearly 80 secondaries across the country to be awarded a specialism by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
The achievement also now means that the Reading local authority is one of 33 in the country, out of more than 150, where all secondary schools have a specialism.
Headteacher Deborah Ajose said: “Pupils, staff, parents and governors are thrilled at this announcement.
"It enables us to work even more closely with our community partners and recognises the excellent work that has been undertaken by the pupils and staff at the school.”
Elizabeth Reid, chief executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies
Trust, said: “The specialist schools programme is giving more young people the opportunity to succeed.
“To be awarded specialist status is a great achievement and demonstrates hard work and a commitment to raising standards and aspirations. But the journey doesn’t stop here.
“Collaboration, sharing best practice and effective use of data are three important strategies that underpin the specialist schools programme.
“I congratulate every new specialist school and wish them every success.”
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