Schools working in partnership get funding boost
Green light given to independent and state primary school projects which share subject expertise.
Innovative projects involving independent and state primary school partnerships were today (14 November 2014) rewarded with a share of a new funding package.
Applications were invited in September for the independent/state school partnership (ISSP) primary curriculum project, in which schools were asked to submit projects showing how they could work together across sectors.
The successful projects were expected to demonstrate ways in which they can strengthen the teaching of subjects in key stages 1 and 2, such as maths, science, IT, design and technology, and modern foreign languages, including Latin and Mandarin.
A total of 39 applications were received, and today 18 partnerships received a joint letter from Schools Minister Lord Nash and Deborah Leek-Bailey, Chair of the ISSP forum, informing them that they had been successful. The projects will begin in January.
Schools Minister Lord Nash said:
Collaboration and partnership between schools are a vital part of our plan for education, with schools increasingly working together to raise standards for all.
In their applications, schools have shown a clear commitment to sharing ideas and excellent practice to help raise standards in key subjects such as modern languages, science and maths, which is essential in preparing children for life in modern Britain.
Deborah Leek-Bailey OBE, Chair of the ISSP Forum, added:
As chairman of the ISSP I have been impressed with the innovation and diversity of applications. It is encouraging to see how outward-facing many schools have become and it is my hope that as a direct result of this funding we will impact on social mobility and aspirations for a new group of young people.
I thank Lord Nash and the DfE for continuing to support the work of the ISSP forum in transforming expectation and improving outcomes.
The successful applicants - including 1 special school being partnered with a mainstream school - will receive a share of £176,288.
Examples of initiatives included in the projects include maths master classes, a Mandarin club involving the local Chinese community, and a hands-on science project with a day school and a special school.
Read the original news story, ISSP primary curriculum project, published on 25 September 2014.
DfE media enquiries
Central newsdesk - for journalists 020 7783 8300