Merger of schools is given the go-ahead
Three schools serving more than 1,000 pupils have joined together to become a single academy to boost prospects for youngsters moving from primary to secondary education.
Bishop Milner Catholic College, in Burton Road, Dudley, together with St Chad's Catholic Primary, in Catholic Lane, Sedgley, and St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, in Hillcrest Road, Kates Hill, have formed the new institution.
Education secretary Michael Gove gave the go ahead for the new academy, which will be known as St John Bosco Catholic Academy, to be formed this month.
All three schools will keep their own identities, which are associated with historic parishes in the borough and leading Catholic figures. Each will retain their headteacher, school uniforms and manage their own school budget.
But education chiefs say as an academy they can access extra funding, create a smoother transition between year groups and promote Catholic educational values while still remaining inclusive of all denominations. The academy status means it draws its money from central government rather than a sponsor or local education authority.
Today the schools said the scheme was agreed following consultation with parents, their communities and the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
Bishop Milner Principal Steve Heywood today said: "We are excited by the new academy, which we hope will enhance the educational experience for the students.
"We have chosen this path ourselves as a converter academy because we believe this will be the best way forward for us."
Sharon Mason, who is headteacher at St Chad's, said retaining the 175-year history of the school was vital to them signing up.
"It was very important for the parents, staff and for the parishes, especially for ourselves and St Joseph's which are connected to parish churches in the area," she said.
St Jospeh's headteacher Mark Hinton added: "The main thing was to secure the presence of Catholic education in Dudley and really it means that St Joseph's receive support and share solidarity from the two other schools."
The academy is named after St John Bosco, popularly known as Don Bosco, an Italian priest, educator and writer who founded the Salesian Society and dedicated his life to the betterment of young people.