Danczuk congratulates Rochdale school on achieving specialist status

Date published: 18/06/2008

Rochdale’s Labour Parliamentary Candidate, Simon Danczuk, has congratulated Saint Cuthbert’s Roman Catholic High School on being awarded specialist status today in their chosen subject area of business and enterprise.

The Rochdale school, based on Shaw Road, was included in a list of 79 schools announced as having joined the specialist programme by the Minister for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls MP.

“This is a great announcement for Rochdale and I congratulate Saint Cuthbert’s on being awarded specialist status” said Mr Danczuk. “I’m especially pleased that they have chosen to specialise in business and enterprise because we really need to drive up standards in this area. Our town’s future prosperity depends on building a strong enterprise culture and I look forward to seeing the next generation of business leaders for Rochdale emerge from this school.”

To apply for specialist status, schools must raise £50,000 in sponsorship and draw up school and community plans to raise standards, increase provision and encourage take-up in their specialist subjects. Their community development plan will show how they will share the benefits of good practice, expertise and resources with other schools named in the plan and with identified groups within their wider community. The Government believes that widening schools’ options in this way means they are able to develop their individual strengths, promote innovation and spread good practice throughout the whole school system.

“The specialist schools programme is giving more young people the opportunity to succeed,” added Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. “To be awarded specialist status is a great achievement and demonstrates hard work and a commitment to raising standards and aspirations. But the journey doesn’t stop here. Collaboration, sharing best practice and effective use of data are three important strategies that underpin the specialist schools programme. I congratulate every new specialist school and wish them every success.”