Independent school backs academy

The government wants independent schools to back academies

One of the country's most prestigious independent schools is to support an inner-city state academy.

Exclusive Marlborough College in Wiltshire, whose former pupils include poet John Betjeman and spy Anthony Blunt, will work with Swindon Academy.

Marlborough will loan staff, share expertise and provide facilities to the state school.

It coincides with government plans for independent schools to open and manage state schools in deprived areas.

Swindon Academy in Wiltshire is the first "all-through" academy, taking children from infants up to the end of secondary school.

It opened earlier this month, taking over from the struggling Headlands School, which had the worst GCSE results in England two years ago.

The partnership between the two schools will include linking some departments and supporting the establishment of a new sixth form at the academy.

This initiative gives Marlborough College the opportunity to commit to the academies programme Nicholas Sampson, master, Marlborough College

They will share relevant expertise - in areas such as sport or performing arts - to develop joint ventures which would benefit young people in both establishments.

The two schools will also share facilities where it is appropriate and feasible.

Marlborough College's master Nicholas Sampson said: "This is an exciting new opportunity for both Marlborough College and Swindon Academy.

"We are strong believers in the academies programme and had considered a number of options on how to become involved.

"This initiative gives Marlborough College the opportunity to commit to the academies programme."

Swindon Academy's principal Jan Shadick believes both students and staff will benefit from the partnership.

She said: "This is great news and a massive vote of confidence in the academy.

"Giving our students the opportunity to study and work with students at Marlborough College will encourage them to broaden their horizons."

Swindon Academy is run by the United Learning Trust, which runs 13 academies across the country and is a subsidiary of the United Church Schools Trust, which operates 10 independent schools.