12/05/2003
Blair unveils London schools' reform package
Prime Minister Tony Blair has unveiled plans today to reform London's schools which he believes have polarised into a system for those that can afford to buy their way to educational achievement and those that cannot depend on the state system.
In a speech today, the Prime Minister said that the reforms proposed would give every child a fair chance in life and "will mean the largest ever investment in London schools".
The package will focus on the five boroughs with the greatest problems – Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Lambeth and Southwark. In doing so the government expects to build 20 new secondary schools, create at least 15 new sixth form colleges and 30 more independent state-funded City Academies; and have at least 290 specialist schools in London by 2006.
The programme of reform will, said Mr Blair, mean a better deal for London teachers through a mortgage subsidy for the best teachers who choose to remain in the capital.
It is anticipated that centres to help parents with after-school care will be created, along with a new £10m London Gifted and Talented Centre and a zero tolerance policy of violence and disruption in the classroom.
The Prime Minister said: "We are also sending a clear message to the successful, dynamic heads in London: you will have the maximum freedoms required to deliver excellence.
"The length of the school day, the type of lessons, the pattern of the timetable, partnerships with business, the involvement of parents, the ethos of the school, the recruitment and retention of staff, ways of making good behaviour the norm, the use of assistants and other support staff for schools, opening the school from 'dawn 'till dusk' to provide additional support - these are all open to school by school innovation."
(GMcG)
In a speech today, the Prime Minister said that the reforms proposed would give every child a fair chance in life and "will mean the largest ever investment in London schools".
The package will focus on the five boroughs with the greatest problems – Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Lambeth and Southwark. In doing so the government expects to build 20 new secondary schools, create at least 15 new sixth form colleges and 30 more independent state-funded City Academies; and have at least 290 specialist schools in London by 2006.
The programme of reform will, said Mr Blair, mean a better deal for London teachers through a mortgage subsidy for the best teachers who choose to remain in the capital.
It is anticipated that centres to help parents with after-school care will be created, along with a new £10m London Gifted and Talented Centre and a zero tolerance policy of violence and disruption in the classroom.
The Prime Minister said: "We are also sending a clear message to the successful, dynamic heads in London: you will have the maximum freedoms required to deliver excellence.
"The length of the school day, the type of lessons, the pattern of the timetable, partnerships with business, the involvement of parents, the ethos of the school, the recruitment and retention of staff, ways of making good behaviour the norm, the use of assistants and other support staff for schools, opening the school from 'dawn 'till dusk' to provide additional support - these are all open to school by school innovation."
(GMcG)
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21 October 2003
London teachers to benefit from £1bn home fund
The education department has announced a £1 billion package to help teachers buy family homes in London. The announcement is part of a wider package, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, to provide affordable housing for key workers, including teachers.
London teachers to benefit from £1bn home fund
The education department has announced a £1 billion package to help teachers buy family homes in London. The announcement is part of a wider package, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, to provide affordable housing for key workers, including teachers.
16 February 2005
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
Specialist schools improving faster than other schools
Specialist schools are performing better than other schools in England, a report by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) has reported. The education watchdog found that pupils in specialist schools have performed better at GCSEs since 1998 and the rate of improvement in GCSE results was also faster in these schools.
18 June 2010
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
Free Schools To 'Harness Teachers' Passion'
The process for setting up and running so-called 'free schools' to allow teachers, charities and parents to develop facilities in response to parental demand is to be revised.
08 May 2009
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Man Jailed For Attempted Murder Of Pc
A south London man has been jailed for 25 years for tying to shoot a policeman. Michael Mitchell, 32, of Babington Road, Streatham, was convicted of attempting to murder Pc Shaun Callow, possession of a firearm and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
30 June 2015
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
Pupil Premium Impact Will Take Time - NAO
The National Audit Office (NAO) has said the full impact of allocating money to schools for poorer pupils 'will take time'. The department's report said the Pupil Premium has 'potential' to bring about a more significant improvement in outcomes. However, it added there was still 'more to do' by schools and government.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.