James Duddridge Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, welcomes Rt Hon Justine Greening MP Secretary of State for Education funding agreement to allow Richmond Avenue Primary School and Bournes Green Junior School in Southend-on-Sea Borough Council Academy status.
There is an urgent need to reform our school system to prevent the standard of education in the UK from falling further behind that of other countries. So it is great news that Rt Hon Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education has agreed to enter into funding agreements with Richmond Avenue Primary School and Bournes Green Junior School, in Southend-on-Sea Borough Council to become academies.
In July 2010, the Conservative Government introduced legislation to make it possible for all schools to become academies, including primary and special schools. By becoming Academies, Richmond Avenue Primary School and Bournes Green Junior School will have more control over their curriculum, budget and staffing.
Rt Hon Justine Greening MP Secretary of State for Education Said:
Academies form an integral part of the Government’s education policy to raise attainment for all children and to bring about sustained improvements to all schools, and I am delighted that the school recognises the benefits academy status will bring.
James Duddridge MP Said:
Academy status will allow Richmond Avenue Primary School and Bournes Green Junior School to have the freedom to be more innovative and continue to build on their success and spread their reach further.
I am pleased to announce that the date of conversion for both schools will be the 1st August 2017