SOUTH Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, one of the first to be designated a specialist sports college, training school and leading edge school in the country, could be on the verge of becoming a Leading Practice Trust School. It is one of half-a-dozen secondary schools in South Devon considering becoming a trust school, which would still be part of the local authority system, and will come on stream in September. If the new trust is adopted, the governors would still be responsible for the performance of the school which would continue as it does currently. The advantage, though, is that it would gain the backing of a charitable trust, which would also appoint a minority of the governors. The college is already proud of its strong partnerships with a range of external organisations. A trust would enable it to build on existing relationships, as well as offering a stronger voice to its partners. 'We believe that our partners, in turn, would help us raise standards by developing new practice with us,' say principal Ray Tarleton and chairman of governors Mike Billington in a letter to parents. 'Sustained, long-term collaboration with others and raising standards are central to this initiative.' Designated a high-performing school by the Department for Education and Science, if it maintains this position next year it will be able to take on a second specialist subject. The governing body would set its own admission arrangements, like all schools continuing to be bound by the School Admissions Code. When designated a specialist college, it rejected the option of any form of selection by ability, and it will continue to follow this policy. The proposals and information about the trust school are now out for consultation and parents replies and views, etc, must be returned to the college – they have been issued with questionnaires – by Monday, February 26. There are open meetings on parental consultation day, Thursday, February 15, when Mr Tarleton and Mr Billington will be available to answer questions, in the college hall at 10am, 11am, noon, 1pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm. While they were delighted to be invited to be one of the Pathfinder schools, piloting the initiative, it did not commit them to becoming a trust school, said Mr Tarleton. 'We want to consider the views of parents, staff, students and the local community. 'The governors will review all the comments and will decide whether to go ahead, and whether to amend the proposals to reflect any suggestions and concerns,' he added. Should the governors decide to continue, there would be another chance to comment on the formal proposals during the summer term, before a final decision is taken.
