The academies programme

The academies programme offers Richmond upon Thames opportunities to improve school standards and buildings. In March, the Council and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) announced that we had agreed preferred sponsors for three new academies in the borough.

This site will be updated regularly so that you can find out more about the programme, the timetables for opening the academies and public consultation. You will find answers to your questions, links to other websites and who to contact for more information.

What are academies?

Academies are publicly funded independent local schools. They are all-ability schools which aim to raise standards by innovative approaches to management, governance, teaching and the curriculum. The involvement of sponsors allows them to bring their skills and expertise to the Academy. Academies provide a teaching and learning environment which offers a broad and balanced curriculum, focusing on one or more subject specialisms.

The schools that may become academies and their preferred sponsors are:

• Hampton Community College - Kunskapsskolan
• Whitton School - Kunskapsskolan
• Shene School - Edutrust

Who are the sponsors?

Edutrust is an educational charity and a not-for-profit organisation established to promote educational excellence. It is in the process of opening ten academies across the country, including ones in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Gainsborough, Oldham and Sheffield. Its emphasis is on personalised learning and placing the academy at the heart of the local community, both serving it and accountable to it. It sees working with partners, including the local authority, local businesses and academic institutions, such as local universities and colleges, as key to delivering its vision. Its trustees and management have wide experience of education, including improving poor performance in schools.

Kunskapsskolan runs 30 secondary schools in Sweden as part of the state sector. It also emphasises personalised learning with clear weekly and yearly goals set for each pupil. It uses a mixture of one-to-one support, tutorials and lectures and will be adapting its approach to deliver the English National Curriculum. Kunskapsskolan are keen to work with local stakeholders to provide the best opportunities for pupils.

More information

For more information please contact

Tracy Luck,
Head of Strategic Projects and Programmes,

Education and Children’s Services,
Regal House,
London Road,
Twickenham TW1 3QB

Email: t.luck@richmond.gov.uk
Phone: 020 8891 7613