Father ready to give up job for own school in Dudley

A father of- nine plans to pack in his job as a vice-principal and establish his own school in the Black Country under the Conservatives' "free schools" scheme.

Nick Chater is seeking expressions of interest from parents which would enable him to submit an application to the Government.

He says the school, for around 50 pupils, would cater for children let down by mainstream education teaching a range of vocational qualifications.

Mr Chater is confident of getting enough support to open the school in Dudley in September next year at a set-up cost of around £40,000, with an expected annual budget of £250,000. He is hoping to recruit three newly-qualified teachers.

The vice-principal at Grace Academy Darlaston, Herberts Park Road, Wednesbury, has advised his employers he will leave his post for his 'micro academy' project if he secures backing.

It follows plans unveiled by David Cameron during the General Election campaign to allow parents or private companies to establish their own schools within the state sector.

Mr Chater, a 54-year-old IT teacher, who also has two grandchildren, says after 18 years in teaching he is convinced a different approach is needed to help youngsters from deprived backgrounds who have struggled in school.

Mr Chater, of Osmaston Road, Stourbridge, said: "I want the micro academy to be inclusive for people who have felt isolated in a larger school.

"Helping people from deprived areas is an important vision for the micro academy.

"There are a lot of BTEC courses which are non-examined but assessed by an external moderator. I would be keen to take on students who have failed their GCSEs and offer a range of level two and level three courses.

"The level three qualifications are equivalent to two A-levels, which offers a route into higher education."

He has drafted a statement outlining school aims which says: "The new small academy will cater for no more than 50 post sixteen students and will run out of industrial or commercial premises. Students will be taught either a vocational business, ICT or Art and Design course that could lead onto higher education.

"Students will have a very personal curriculum and have extensive pastoral support with an engaging and broad set of enrichment activities, including work experience.

"We are keen to cater for children that have found it difficult to fit into school life, this may be for a variety of reasons including hidden disability of speech, language and communication impairments."

For details call 07590 553249, visit the website at micro-academy.net, or email nicholas.chater@gmail.com

By Mark Mudie