Lysander must submit second academy bid (From Warrington Guardian)

Lysander must submit second academy bid

7:50am Monday 30th April 2012 in News

LYSANDER High School has been forced to resubmit its academy application due to a blip in exam results.

Colin Hankinson, chief executive of the University of Chester Academies Trust, said low exam scores meant the school could not become an independent academy.

Instead, it will be sponsored by the University of Chester, with an opening expected on January 1, 2013.

Mr Hankinson said: “We are extremely pleased to be involved with them.

“We should see a marked improvement almost immediately, we are quite confident about that.”

Officials at the Padgate school first applied to be an academy last July when the University of Chester was asked to give guidance but the school still aimed to operate independently.

“Then they had a blip in results and had to go through a different process where they have a sponsor,” added Mr Hankinson.

Approval means that Lysander will join four other academies fully sponsored by UCAT.

Further consultation will now take place with staff and parents over what changes need to be made at the Insall Road school.

UCAT says that the admissions criteria will remain the same, while existing staff will remain on current salaries.

Mr Hankinson said that becomeing an academy will be positive for students, despite criticism from trade unions.

Meanwhile Culcheth High School has yet to resolve a loan issue with Warrington Borough Council.

A £600,000 sum must be repaid before the school can become an academy.

Lymm and Great Sankey High Schools have also applied to become academies.

A consultation is taking place at Penketh High School with a decision on whether to convert due next month.