The first sixth form college to be established under education secretary Michael Gove’s free school initiative opened to 200 students this autumn.
The London Academy of Excellence in Stratford, Newham, aims to assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds in earning places at Russell Group universities, including an increased uptake at Oxbridge. It is supported by eight of the country’s leading independent schools. Demand for places at the Academy was high, with over 500 applications for 150 places, a number later increased to admit 200 students.
The admissions process involves interviews, verbal reasoning tests and the submission of personal statements. Successful applicants are taught from a selection of 12 ‘academic’ A-level subjects, chosen from the Russell Group guide to preferred subjects, ‘Informed Choices.’ Speaking to the Sunday Times, Richard Cairns, headmaster of Brighton College, said, “The aim is to have more pupils at Oxbridge than 75% of independent schools”.
However Robert Wilne, headmaster of the London Academy of Excellence, stressed that this aim is one amongst many, telling Cherwell that “We are focusing on Russell Group universities, of which of course Oxford and Cambridge are two, but they are only two of the 24.” He added that the media focus on the school’s Oxbridge aims mirrored a problem he hoped his Academy could correct, saying that in some communities “it’s either Oxford or a former polytechnic. They don’t recognise there is a spectrum.”
David Messling, OUSU officer for Access and Academic Affairs, commended the Academy’s aims, telling Cherwell, “School support is critical for students with potential and ability to see that they have what it take to apply to Oxford.”
Tony Little, headmaster of Eton, who is on the governing body of the Academy, added, “The LAE model will work because it engages a number of schools who are able to play to their strengths, enabling young people to be with like minded peers”.
The free school initiative is not without controversy, with many fearing they will prove detrimental to existing local schools. Oxford City councillor Sam Hollick said, “It tends to set schools in competition with each other, so it serves the students who are already doing well but the majority tend to see standards fall.”
Exeter student Owen Donovan agreed, saying, “Though this will be a brilliant opportunity for the children involved, I’d rather we invested more across education.” Wilne, however, stressed that the impact of the Academy would not be limited to its students, but, through an ‘outreach’ programme, would be extended to existing local schools. Sixth formers will perform community service, whilst the Academy is currently recruiting for a “Director of Educational Aspiration” in hopes of ensuring a broad impact.
