Liverpool City Council's Executive Board is being asked to give the green light to a groundbreaking school partnership - the first of its kind in the city.

The city council is putting forward proposals for Parklands High School in Speke which would see it team up with one of the country's most successful schools - The Blue Coat in Wavertree.

It would see Parklands becoming the first National Challenge Trust School in the city, securing up to an additional £1 million in government funding over the next three years.

And it would pave the way for educational standards to be raised across at the school, with Blue Coat sharing their resources, teacher training and management expertise.

-- Advertisement --

Parklands, which is located in one of the most deprived areas of the country, was placed in special measures in 2008 after only 1% of pupils gained five A*-C GCSEs including English and Maths, way below the government's National Challenge target of 30%.

The school showed a massive improvement in the 2008 GCSEs, with the figure rising to 15%, but is still below the national target.

The plans are part of the council's commitment to securing the future of the school, driving up attainment beyond the National Challenge target and ensuring children in Speke can benefit from a first class education.

Councillor Keith Turner, the city council's executive member for children's services, said: "The Speke community is more isolated than most in the city and young people have no alternative secondary schools within the vicinity - that's why it's vital we invest in it.

"These proposals will build on the progress Parklands is making and secure a brighter future for the school. Blue Coat is one of the most successful schools in the region, and in the top 100 schools in the country.

"In partnership with the council, Blue Coat is committed to providing support and leadership to Parklands."

The plans, which need approval from the Secretary of State, will be subject to statutory consultation during 2009.

The Executive Board will consider the proposal on Friday 23 January.

(CD/JM)