HOLYWELLS High School is today appealing for help. The once-troubled school, which is now undergoing a remarkable transformation in its fortunes, last night officially launched its bid for specialist status in business and enterprise.
HOLYWELLS High School is today appealing for help.
The once-troubled school, which is now undergoing a remarkable transformation in its fortunes, last night officially launched its bid for specialist status in business and enterprise.
It is now looking to Ipswich business community to help raise the £50,000 it needs by October 1 to make the bid for specialist status in business and enterprise.
In 2003 the school launched a five-year plan to improve the school after it was found to be failing by inspectors.
Tony Hough, assistant headteacher and specialist status project manager, said the school needs help to ensure those improvements continue to be made at the school.
He added: "The bid is an integral part of our five year plan introduced by the school. The bid is the next stage and the time is right."
Mr Hough said the business and enterprise specialism would involve all subjects and improve the chances of the school's 850 students getting jobs when they leave. It will also mean an estimated £110,000 extra funding for the school over the next four years.
He said: "Business and enterprise is inclusive for all abilities, all subjects and all individuals. We have consulted with every stage with our feeder primary schools."
Holywells is also asking the business community to help with work placed learning placements mentor schemes as well as sponsorship to strengthen the bid for specialist status.
Headteacher Ruth Everard said: "There are no limits to the success that Holywells can have."
Do you have a child at Holywells? How has the school improved? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
February 2001 Holywells is placed under special measures after an Ofsted report finds the school unsatisfactory"
March 2001 Holywells hits national headlines after staff take industrial action over staff shortages On several occasions the school is forced to send pupils home at morning break because there are so few teachers
May 2001 Headteacher Barrie Whelpton resigns through stress on the day the damning Ofsted report is finally published
February 2003 The school reveals an ambitious five year plan of improvements
March 2004 The school is taken out of special measures
February 2005 The school announces it is putting in a bid for specialist status in business and enterprise
May 2005 Holywells officially launches its bid for specialist status.
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