Virtual school aims to give boost

A "virtual" school is being launched in Cambridgeshire aimed at raising the achievements of children in care.

Cambridgeshire Community College will have 400 pupils and 13 teachers and will be based around a specially designed IT system.

Cambridgeshire County Council is one of 11 authorities given funding to create one of the schools.

It aims to raise the educational performance of children in care by monitoring schoolwork and attendance.

A head teacher has been appointed to oversee the progress of the pupils as if they attended a single school together.

The virtual school will enhance the service we already provide to looked after children Councillor Martin Curtis

Sue Hains will monitor their attendance at their traditional schools and provide support to schools and carers to help the children improve their performance.

Martin Curtis, the county councillor with responsibility for children, said: "The virtual school will enhance the service we already provide to looked after children, and will enable them to thrive and achieve their full potential with even greater monitoring and support from teachers."

Students will range in age from three to 16.

All children and staff of the virtual school will be able to access the new IT system securely, in order to record, send and receive information.