The United Learning Trust (ULT) and The Vodafone UK Foundation are hoping to bring new schools investment into Banbury by sponsoring an Academy.  Having now received ministerial approval, they will now work with Oxfordshire County Council, the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the local community to provide a new Academy to replace Drayton School in Banbury.

The Academy will still be an all-ability inclusive school that is free of charge to all students.  It will, however, also receive a significant injection of funds and expertise from its non-government sponsors.  This will enable it to provide the highest standard of education for all.

An independent public consultation will take place at an early stage to seek the views of local parents, residents, Primary Head Teachers and other interested parties on the proposal.

Sir Ewan Harper, Chief Executive of ULT, said today,

'ULT has a proven track record in education and we hope that, with the backing of The Vodafone UK Foundation, we will be able to provide a state-of-the-art new Academy which will provide outstanding education for young people in Banbury.'

'We are pleased to work in partnership with The Vodafone UK Foundation on this proposal as they have been supporting Banbury community groups for a number of years.  Discussions have begun with Oxfordshire County Council and the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and we are all working together to help establish a pioneering new school in Banbury that services the whole community, offers first class facilities and supports improvements in standards.'

Alan Harper, Chairman of The Vodafone UK Foundation, commented:

'The Vodafone UK Foundation focuses its support on projects which have a clear and long-lasting impact on society. We have been supporting local primary and secondary education in Banbury over several years. This has been done as part of our wider community support programme and through our work with the Thames Valley Partnership. In sponsoring an Academy we wanted to find a partner with a proven track record in education. ULT is the most experienced sponsor of Academies across the UK. Their commitment to inclusive and innovative education made them the obvious choice for us. 

'Vodafone has been one of Banbury's biggest employers for some years, and we see the support of the Academy as a further development of our commitment to our employees and the local community. Whilst it is still early days, we are hopeful that together we will be able to develop an Academy in Banbury that will benefit generations of local families.'

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, added:

'This is great news for the young people of Banbury.  Investment from The Vodafone UK Foundation and the United Learning Trust provides a real opportunity to improve the educational opportunities on offer in the town.  The Vodafone UK Foundation is committed to educational regeneration in a town in which it has a major commitment as a local employer. ULT has a proven track record in managing such projects, is committed to serving the catchment area of Drayton School and to working collaboratively with other local schools and the Oxford & Cherwell Valley College. This is an exciting project and, I hope, part of a sustained programme of investment by the DfES in one of our most deserving areas. Such significant investment in educational provision will surely make a difference to the many young people who will grow up in the area of the town that the Academy will serve.'

Andrew Adonis, Schools Minister said:

'I welcome this exciting and innovative new proposal. Academies are already beginning to transform the life chances of children in areas where they have opened. The proposed Academy will be a major asset to Banbury and has the potential to benefit generations of young people in the area. I look forward to seeing more detailed plans.'

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

United Church Schools Trust (UCST)/United Learning Trust (ULT)

The United Church Schools Trust (UCST) sponsors Academies across the country. The Academies are operated by UCST’s subsidiary, the United Learning Trust. Both are registered charities. ULT operates Manchester Academy (opened September 2003), Lambeth Academy, Northampton Academy (both opened September 2004), and Salford City Academy (opened September 2005) and has Academies in Paddington, Barnsley, Sheffield and Waltham Forest due to open in September 2006.

Further information on ULT is available from Tim Devlin on 07939 544 487 or Maggie O’Boyle on 0207 611 5274.



The Vodafone UK Foundation

The Vodafone UK Foundation is a registered charity.  It is one of 19 local country Foundations funded by The Vodafone Group Foundation and also receives donations from Vodafone UK Limited.

The Vodafone UK Foundation helps 16-25 year olds in the UK to live fuller lives, primarily by increasing their access to information and opportunities and through the use of mobile technology- based solutions where possible. The focus is particularly on those young people at risk of exclusion.  It also supports local communities in areas where Vodafone has a significant physical presence and Vodafone employees who are involved in community activities.

Wherever possible The Vodafone UK Foundation provides charity partners with a range of resources in addition to financial support. 

The Vodafone UK Foundation was presented with a PerCent standard logo in the 2003/04 Business in the Community Giving List Report.  Vodafone Group was ranked 50 in 2005 The Sunday Times/Business in the Community Companies That Count survey.

Further information can be found on www.vodafoneukfoundation.org or from Ally Stevens at the Vodafone UK Press Office on 08454 444466.