HERTFORDSHIRE is to pioneer a new project which aims to raise standards through the diversification of the secondary system.

Unveiled by Education and Skills Secretary Estelle Morris last week, the Diversity Pathfinder will see specialist schools and collegiate academies operating alongside networks of traditional secondary schools.

Hertfordshire is one of five counties in England to be selected for the scheme and comes in the wake of a new Ofsted report praising specialist schools for playing their part in raising standards nationwide.

The Diversity Pathfinder projects will benefit from a £500,000 investment over the next 12 months and up to £8 million in the following four years.

The money will allow groups of secondary schools to capitalise on individual strengths and share their expertise for the benefit of other students.

The formation of collegiate academies will let schools work together, sharing specialist resources, support services and staff development.

But one of the major impacts of the scheme is likely to be a surge in the number of specialist secondary schools boasting state-of-the-art facilities in the arts, sport or languages.

"Pathfinders will focus on the growth of specialist schools because we

know they are getting good results for pupils," said Ms Morris.

"We want these Pathfinder projects to blaze a trail for every secondary

school and help transform secondary education in this country.

"The five education authorities have come forward with exciting ideas.

"Theses ideas will motivate schools, spread excellence and provide more options for students," she added.

Currently, Hertfordshire has 11 specialist schools, providing a wealth of facilities in the specialisation of technology and language.

The pathfinder scheme will encourage these schools to act as a community resource, reaching as many children as possible and playing a crucial role in the dissemination of good practice.

A county council spokeswoman said: "Hertfordshire County Council is pleased to have been chosen as one of five diversity pathfinders for secondary education.

"Although the details of the scheme are yet to be confirmed, more specialist schools will be established.

"This will provide a broad range of opportunities for secondary pupils in Hertfordshire.

"Networks of schools will be developed to ensure that specialist schools benefit their wider communities."

October 15, 2001 20:54

Shannon Price