John Denham has backed the Southampton Education Trust to run the new secondary schools in East and West Southampton. The Council has received bids to run the new schools from several organisations including Oasis Community Learning and the United Learning Trust.

John Denham said "I have decided to give my backing in the public consultation to the Southampton Education Trust.

"Although local school standards have improved over the past ten years we have not made as much progress as schools in other parts of the country. Many schools in areas which have similar pupil intakes, or more challenging intakes, have improved more quickly. We are now lagging too far behind other areas. The establishment of two new schools is a huge opportunity for Southampton to achieve a step change in standards.

"The Southampton Education Trust has attracted unprecedented support from major local employers, both Universities, and important public services. We have never before had so many employers expressing a willingness to become directly involved in supporting teachers and pupils and in raising standards.

"I believe this will give both new schools the opportunity to provide a curriculum that is relevant and exciting to pupils of all abilities. The commitment of local organisations will open up new opportunities for work experience and mentoring. The involvement of people who lead nationally- and internationally-renowned organisations will offer practical support for the leadership of the new schools.

"I also believe that the commitment of the Trust to cooperate well with other local schools will bring the greatest benefit to all our city’s children.

"None of the other bids can show such strong and broad local support, or the ability to draw on the day-to-day involvement of such a wide range of organisations. Their experience in running schools varies, and some have no experience of doing so.

"I do hope that the Southampton Education trust succeeds in its bid."

The organisations engaged in establishing the Southampton Education Trust are: Associated British Ports Southampton, Business Southampton, City College Southampton, Itchen College, Southampton City Primary Care Trust, Southampton Council of Faiths, Southampton Solent University, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Tauntons College, University of Southampton, VT Group plc, Wheatsheaf Trust, Yellowfin Ltd.  All the bids, and a chance to comment on them, are on the City Council's website (click here).