Industry News
Private school 'rebuffed' over academy
Posted on 17th October 2007
One of Britain's top independent schools has offered to sponsor a city academy and been rebuffed by the council in favour of a venture capitalist, it has been reported.
Westminster School offered to take over Pimlico School when Ofsted failed it, however it is anticipated Westminster council will name John Nash as the sponsor, reports the Evening Standard.
Earlier this month schools minister Lord Adonis invited successful private schools to involve themselves in the academies scheme, saying they would not have to provide the £2 million minimum sponsorship.
"It is your educational DNA we are seeking, not your fee income or your existing charitable endowments," he told the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference.
However, councillor Sarah Richardson said Mr Nash was recommended to them as a sponsor by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, reports the Evening Standard.
She said the "only concern" was ensuring pupils at Pimlico School quickly received the "best possible" education.
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