Council to explore co-op scheme to improve school

The school in Prince Regent Lane has been under notice to improve from education inspectors Ofsted since November 2006. Earlier this year it was placed in special measures.

The school has received intensive support from the council and the Department for Children, Schools and Families through the London Challenge scheme, but last summer only 25 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C including Maths and English, placing it in the bottom 13 per cent of schools nationally.

Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "We are entirely focused on improving performance at the school. Pupils deserve to get the best education and parents expect nothing less. When a school is not providing a decent standard of education then we need to take action.

"A National Challenge Trust with its co-operative college partnership could allow parents and communities to play a meaningful part in the running of the school. It is an option that we will continue to explore."

The proposal for a co-operative trust school has already received support from Newham's National Union of Teachers. Union officials and council officers have visited a co-operative school in Telford to see how the model might work.

The proposal and a review of the options available would mean the council not progressing with plans for an academy-based school in conjunction with preferred sponsors the ARK Foundation. The council has not been able to meet agreement on proposals with them and will look at alternative arrangements.

Councillor Quintin Peppiatt, executive member for children and young people, said: "Our overall objective to secure high standards of education for all pupils at the school remains the same.

"We can assure pupils, parents and carers that there will continue to be a school on the Royal Docks site, and that the educational attainment and well-being of its pupils is at the heart of all our planning."

The Co-operative College believes a National Challenge Trust co-operative school could be in place and functioning by the autumn term.

The proposal is expected to be considered by Newham councillors later this month and if agreed, formal discussions can begin with the college and Government officials. In the intervening period, the council will look to form an Interim Executive Board to govern the school for a limited time until final decisions are taken.

Mervyn Wilson, principal of The Co-operative College, said: "We would be delighted to work with Newham on such an exciting proposal. We have already seen the impact that the globally shared set of co-operative values can have on achievement in schools.

"We are confident that the combination of a clear set of values and parental, staff, learner and community engagement through membership of the trust would be of enormous benefit to the school."

Peter Smith, Divisional Secretary, Newham NUT, said: "Newham Teachers Association welcomes these developments following its meeting with the Mayor in February and is prepared to work with the Newham's children and young people's service to ensure high standards of education for all students at the Royal Docks Community School is secured through the co-operative model."