The New Schools
The Trust is partnered with the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation, led by Adrian Percival, the Federation’s chief executive, and endows the primary phases of three all-age Academies in disadvantaged areas of south east London – catering for pupils of all abilities.
The first of these opened in September 2008 as Hatcham Temple Grove, the primary phase of Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College. The second school, Crayford Temple Grove opened in September 2009, moving into spanking new buildings, as the primary phase of the new Crayford Academy in Bexley. The senior phase will be built on open space, adjacent to the primary buildings. The third Temple Grove school opened as the primary phase of Knights Academy on the 1 January 2011.
The new schools have gained a totally new ethos. A school uniform of traditional blazers and ties, which reincarnate the colours and eagle symbol of the original Temple Grove and blend them with the Haberdashers crest and colours, are just the most obvious symbols of the change. Local parents have responded with enthusiasm and applications have soared.
The Trust’s endowment of £500,000 for each of its three schools is intended to provide the Head Teachers with the flexibility to fund additional enrichment activities for all primary pupils, over and above the standard curriculum; including access to music, cultural and environmental visits, clubs and specialist teaching.
Gifted & Talented
In partnership with East Sussex County Council the Trust co-funded for two years the feasibility study and pilot stages of Flying High; bringing an innovative programme of training for teaching staff and providing stimulating opportunities for able pupils in the County. This entailed state and independent schools working together on a wide range of projects.
This seed funding has enabled the project to continue providing further opportunities for children in East Sussex.