Robert Owen vocational school due to open in Herefordshire

The government has entered a funding agreement that will enable Robert Owen Group to open a new Academy in Herefordshire.

With Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, signing the funding agreement for Robert Owen Vocational School on 19 August, the Academy has been given the go ahead to open on 2 September.

A 14-19 free school, the Academy will provide new educational opportunities for young people in Herefordshire. Robert Owen Vocational School will deliver a broad and balanced vocational curriculum, alongside GCSE qualifications and work experience.

Anthony Batchelor OBE, Chair of the Robert Owen Academies Trust, the organisation within the Robert Owen Group which will hold the funding agreement, said: “This is great news for Herefordshire – children, parents and employers alike. The new school will use youngsters' vocational enthusiasms to motivate them to succeed in GCSEs or A levels or apprenticeships or whatever qualifications they are aiming for.”

Chris Morgan, President of the Robert Owen Group said he was delighted that Minister of Schools, Lord Nash had signed the Funding Agreement for the new Robert Owen Vocational School.

He said: “Our young people will now be provided with a clear choice of 14-19 years high quality vocational education provision, which will help them all to achieve their real potential. For the Robert Owen Group and our members it is equally good news because it drives forward an important area of our Business Plan to achieve improvement in education and life experiences through co-operation.”

The Academy aims to build a strong relationship with the local community and local employers. Businesses, community groups and training providers also have a say in how the school is run, many of them having joined the School’s Stakeholder Board.

Vivien Dean, Principal of the Robert Owen Vocational School, said: “I am delighted that our new and innovative school is opening in September and I have been excited and enthused by the vision for the school since my appointment in April.

“I have been hugely impressed by the support from local businesses who can see the real benefit this school will bring to young people and the local economy. Vocational education is vital in this rural area and our school will not only open new horizons for our students, but also work to raise the overall status of vocational education.

The School is now accepting applications from parents and guardians whose children are entering Year 10 in September 2013.