University caution on school plan

Universities are in talks over supporting secondary schools

Universities are adopting a wait and see approach over whether to get involved in setting up their own secondary schools.

The government wants universities to become involved in city academies and the new "trust" status schools proposed in the education White Paper.

So far about eight universities have shown interest in backing schools.

The CMU organisation, representing new universities, says higher education leaders are "cautious" about the idea.

Speaking before the education select committee on Monday, the Education Secretary Ruth Kelly told MPs that there was interest among universities for getting involved in the secondary school sector - including supporting trust schools.

'Degree of caution'

Ms Kelly declined to tell MPs how many universities were in talks about setting up or supporting schools - and promised further details in the future.

It seems common sense for universities to play a lead role in any such activity, and we would be interested in exploring the possibilities for doing so University College London

"We're working with a lot of universities - but I don't think it would be right to name particular ones," Ms Kelly told MPs.

Under the White Paper proposals for reforming secondary education, the government wants a range of new providers to become involved in supporting school trusts - including universities and businesses.

Universities are already being invited to suppport city academies - and according to the CMU and Universities UK, the number of institutions declaring an interest appears to be fewer than 10. Although both acknowledge that there could be other universities who are making their own undisclosed plans.

"There may be a degree of caution for both practical and resourcing reasons," says the CMU's Pam Tatlow.

Universities might not want to risk damaging their existing links with local schools - and there will be concerns about the resourcing of such schemes, she says.

There also appears to be a reluctance from universities to commit themselves to reforms which remain politically sensitive - and until the Bill is published many will adopt a wait and see approach.

Among the universities which are planning to support or set up schools - or holding talks about the possibility - are University College London, Nottingham, Brunel and Sunderland.

'Partnership'

UCL, which is in discussions about setting up an academy in the London Borough of Camden, says: "We already work closely with our local schools, and we would see any involvement in an academy as an enhancement of this activity."

"It seems common sense for universities to play a lead role in any such activity, and we would be interested in exploring the possibilities for doing so."

Sunderland University says it has had "initial discussions" with the council and Department for Education and Skills about academy sponsorship and says it is "keen to work in partnership to support the city".

Brunel University has unveiled plans for a school to set up in partnership with the HSBC banking group.