Camden intends to build a new secondary school, probably in Swiss Cottage, to open in 2011. The Council has been the main force behind getting allocation of the school but they are obliged to open out the opportunity of operating it to all comers and the Church of England intends to bid to run the school.
The London Diocesan Board for Schools has presented two meetings at St. Luke’s Church to outline their vision for the new school, to inform local people of the benefits that C of E secondary schools offer, and to try to raise a group of supporters.
Over the two meetings it has become clear that C of E secondary schools maintain a distinctive Christian ethos of putting others first, of serving the community, and of high standards of behaviour. They recognise that children need space and opportunities to develop and explore spiritual matters just as they need opportunities to flourish academically.
C of E schools have an excellent track record for high academic standards. Examples can be given of C of E schools which replaced failing community schools to great effect and dramatically improved academic results. There have also been successful innovations trialled by Church schools, as for example offering co-educational schooling (with the social benefits which that brings) but teaching core subjects to girls and boys separately (with the academic benefits which that brings).
The London Diocese itself has a strong track record with four schools now under construction.
Camden is one of the few London Boroughs with no C of E Secondary Schools though there are many flourishing Church primary Schools in the area.
The London Diocesan Board for Schools propose a co-educational school of 1600 students in which 50% of the places would be for children from practicing Anglican families, which seems fair given the number of local church primary schools.
This bid cannot succeed without clear support from the community. If you wish to offer your support, please send your email or other contact details to [email protected] or contact Peter Ginnings who serves on the LDBF.
Stephen Tucker
A New Secondary School
Stephen Tucker