Private firm to run first 'academy' for ages 3-18
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A private education firm is to open the first "all-through" state school taking children from three to 18 and beyond.
Bexley Business Academy, designed by architect Sir Norman Foster and operated by 3Es Enterprises, will be taking pupils from nursery to A-level. Following the example of the private education sector, it will run nursery, primary and secondary departments on the same site.
City academies are a new breed of specialist school, run by companies, voluntary organisations or philanthropists, and aimed at reviving inner-city education. The £10m Bexley project is an important step in Tony Blair's attempts to draw private enterprise into the public education system. 3Es already operates three state schools.
Ministers hope for a dozen academies in the next two years, but sponsorship has so far been hard to find.
The bulk of the money for Bexley Business Academy has come from Bexley Council and central government, but David Garrard, founder and chairman of the Minerva property group, has donated £2m.
John Dunford, general secretary of the Secondary Heads Association welcomed the Bexley project. "It offers stability for the pupils and improved facilities," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments