Spotlight on trust’s plans for science at two events
PARENTS WILL be given a chance to find out more about ambitious plans to create new schools in deprived areas of Yorkshire this week.
The Yorkshire Academy Trust unveiled plans to open two specialist science schools in Bradford and Huddersfield earlier this month.
The first consultation event will take place tomorrow and there will be an opportunity to meet the founders and members of the steering committee.
Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), the new schools would be aimed at pupils aged 11 to 19 and would offer GCSEs and A-levels in core subjects.
The schools would focus on medicine, healthcare, science, engineering and technology, using specialist facilities with stateof-the-art equipment.
They would also seek to attract students from a range of backgrounds and improve their prospects through “educational excellence, social equality and cultural respect”, according to the trust. The proposals have been backed by Amjad Bashir, Conservative MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber.
He said: “High-calibre education is the key to addressing inequality and social integration in our communities. Science and technology, especially, can unlock the door to well-paid jobs for young people – and address the skills shortage at the same time.
“Initiatives like this show the way to a more equal, cohesive society and a better Britain that competes on the global stage.”
If the proposals are approved by the Government, organisers plan to open the schools in September 2018. Each will initially provide up to 300 places. The DfE is expected to make a decision in autumn.
Meanwhile, the founders are engaging with community and business leaders to ensure they connect the schools with the needs of students, employers and the wider region.
A consultation event will take place at City Hall, Bradford, tomorrow from 6pm. A second is being held at the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, at the same time on Wednesday.