Alliance to help school

The successful Minster School has been chosen to work closely with a Newark school to help raise standards there.

The Magnus School, Newark, has been in special measures since June 2008.

From September it is expected the Minster’s head, Mr Phil Blinston will become executive head of both schools.

Mr Blinston’s principal deputy, Mrs Barbara White, will take over the day-to-day running of the Minster School while the Magnus head, Mr Ian Anderson, will continue to lead there, working under Mr Blinston.

Mr Blinston said: “Both schools have ancient foundations and both are committed to ensuring high quality provision relevant to today’s students.

“As Minster School continues its own journey of continuous improvement, we look forward to more joint working with our colleagues at The Magnus School.”

The proposal was contained in a Nottinghamshire County Council report that was made public yesterday.

Magnus School would become a National Challenge Trust School.

A charitable trust would be formed to hold the Magnus land at Earp Avenue in trust. It would also appoint a new governing body.

The trustees would be appointed from the Minster School’s governing body, the Magnus’s interim executive board, and possibly the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese.

The report said: “Clearly, the experience of the staff and governors at the Minster School in developing a robust school improvement will be of enormous benefit to The Magnus School in raising its own academic performance.

“There is evidence that collaborative working, formal partnerships or federations between schools can benefit all those involved.

“There is greater flexibility for schools to share good practice, innovation and resources.”

The report says money will be provided to both schools over the next three years to help cement their partnership.

It is expected the Magnus could be out of special measures in two years but the trust arrangement could last for ever.

The rescue plan needs the backing of parents.

As part of a consultation period, which runs until April 27, parent and community meetings will be held at the Magnus on Monday and at the Minster School on Wednesday, both from 5pm-7pm.

A decision on the proposal is expected in May.