Microsoft joins university school bid
Published 25 Mar 2011 17:00
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MICROSOFT is to be a major sponsor of a flagship new university school offering a mix of academic and skills based education in Reading.
The proposed school in east Reading will offer traditional academic routes of GCSEs and A-Levels but also technical based-learning for pupils aged 11-19.
Computer giant Microsoft, which has its European headquarters in Reading, will have a hands on role in developing and supporting the technical curriculum, which will cover areas of hi-technology. Discussions with other blue chip companies are on going with a view to getting more sponsors on board.
The school - the brainchild of MP Rob Wilson - will be one of a new generation of university schools, the first of which opened in Staffordshire at the end of last year.
Mr Wilson has pulled together the support of Reading College, Reading University and Reading School, under enhanced Government policy for setting up independent schools. If approved, much of the funding will come from the Department for Education.
The East Reading MP said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to create a new school offering a first class education to children in east Reading. We envisage the new school offering local pupils the chance to follow either an academic education or a combination of academic and technical studies."
Prof Rob Robson, of Reading University, added: "We have got some wonderful schools here but this will be a different type of school, which not only strives for academic excellence but also focuses on the needs of the broader region by providing pupils with the kind of skills the labour market needs."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 25 Mar 11
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