New Specialist Schools

Labour’s Schools Minister Andrew Adonis today congratulated 79 schools across the country on successfully achieving specialist status.

The extra 79 schools joining the specialist programme means 92% of all maintained secondary schools are now specialist and 33 local authorities are 100% specialist, joined today by Barnet, Bedfordshire, Merton, North Lincolnshire, Reading, Rotherham, Southwark and Shropshire.

Specialist schools have a focus on their chosen subject area but must meet National Curriculum requirements to deliver a broad and balanced education to all pupils.

There are ten categories of specialist school: Technology; Languages; Arts; Sports; Business and Enterprise; Engineering; Mathematics & Computing; Science; Humanities and Music.

To apply for specialist status, schools must raise £50,000 in sponsorship (less in the case of small schools with under 500 pupils on roll) and draw up a school and community plan to raise standards, increase provision and encourage take-up in their specialist subjects. Their community development plan will show how they will share the benefits of good practice, expertise and resources with other schools named in the plan and with identified groups within their wider community.

The Government believes that widening schools’ options in this way means they are able to develop their individual strengths, promote innovation and spread good practice throughout the whole school system.