Backers are wanted for new academies; Council advertises for schools' sponsors.

Byline: By Paul Lorraine

EDUCATION chiefs in County Durham are set to begin searching today for potential sponsors for three new academies.

Durham County Council is advertising nationally for interest in the secondary schools based in Consett, Stanley and Durham City.

Coun Claire Vasey, Durham County Council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, said the authority was keen to explore the possibility of joint sponsorship.

This would see the council offering up to half the required funds.

She said: "This would allow the council and sponsors to jointly develop a clear and purposeful partnership from the beginning, with each side bringing specific expertise and drive to the project.

"We are looking for sponsors with a passion for educational improvement and who are committed to working in long-term partnership with the county council, other schools and local communities.

"They will enhance the existing levels of school and county council expertise in the field of educational improvement and help us provide diversity in school provision and increased parental choice."

Academies are independent schools, the running costs of which are met directly by the Government rather than through the county council.

Sponsors may come from the business, faith, education or voluntary sectors, either individually or in partnership with local government.

They may be expected to provide up to pounds 2m for each academy, although the council's intention to consider co-sponsorship could mean they may only meet something closer to half of that amount.

Coun Vasey added: "We will also look to sponsors to provide specialist expertise and new thinking which can help raise standards and provide new direction."

The academies form part of an overhaul of secondary education in the north-west of Durham, Durham City and south-west Durham. It was agreed by the council that potential sponsors would need to share their vision, as well as that of the governing bodies of any schools they replaced.

Coun Vasey added: "The search for sponsors will be open and transparent and our current advertising is the first step along the way.

"Meetings between potential sponsors, senior councillors, council officers and head teachers of the relevant schools will be an essential part of the selection process.

"Once a sponsor has been chosen, further widespread consultation and discussions will be held with all interested parties before any submission about the development of an academy is made to the Secretary of State.

"No decision on the number or location of academies will be made without informal and formal discussions with all interested stakeholders, including students themselves."