Liberal Democrats delighted at outcome of pioneering links with independent Schools

11.26.08am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th Nov 2007

Lib Dem councillors are delighted that all children in the borough will now benefit from valuable partnerships between independent schools and community schools. Opportunities, pioneered by Lib Dems, have now been developed in conjunction with Highgate school, including Oxbridge Tuition for secondary school pupils, Gifted and Talented sessions for aspiring Years 9-13 including Music, Sciences and Environmental subjects and Summer Schools aimed at Year 4 pupils from Haringey and Camden including Design and Technology, Science, Music and Maths.

As part of a scrutiny review into the 'extended services' provided by schools, Lib Dem councillors proposed that the Council should seek links and partnerships with independent schools and the councillors discussed their ideas with the Masters and Bursars of both Channing and Highgate schools, who responded very positively to this pioneering proposal for the benefit of pupils from both the state and independent sector.

Cllr Martin Newton, who chaired the review, and Cllr Gail Engert, member of the review, and Lib Dem spokesperson for Children, Schools and Families comment:

"The Scrutiny review was an opportunity to see if potential links and partnerships with Haringey schools were possible. We were delighted by the wonderfully positive response we received. It is fantastic that this pioneering idea has now been taken forward and that real benefits are being provided by Highgate school for the children of Haringey. It is vital that we keep looking for innovative ideas to ensure that all Haringey's children receive a better education."