Callington Community College - Academy Trust

Callington Community College has received full approval from the Secretary of State to become an Academy on 1 April 2011.

Principal Gary Lobbett said "We were all delighted to receive this news. Our students' academic achievements have risen year on year. This has been due to the talent, commitment and hard work of staff and students. Becoming an Academy will ensure that we can build on this success by making the most of opportunities that lie ahead.  The emphasis is on partnership and skills and there are exciting plans for future collaboration with our partner schools and organisations".

The Government's intentions for schools were made known within their first 100 days of the general election with the Academies Bill. The Bill signaled a shift towards greater school autonomy and a belief that further school improvement is best achieved by placing confidence in schools and governing bodies.  The emphasis on greater school autonomy is the thread that runs through the Government's white paper, The Importance of Teaching. This paper highlights the changing relationship between schools and the Local Authority.

The decision to become an Academy was made for many reasons. The College will have full control over the procurement and development of services that meet the needs of our students and families. We have a strong relationship with the Local Authority and will do all we can to sustain the professional partnership that has been developed. As an Academy, the College will be funded directly by the Government which will enable us to access funding that was previously not available. We are determined to provide the best possible education for our many student and adult learners. All staff at the College will continue to ensure that the learner is placed firmly at the heart of everything we do.

Members of the College's Student Council and Year Committees joined with members of staff and the Governing Body to release balloons and to celebrate the event.  When asked if he thought becoming an Academy was a positive move, Harry Lee, Chair of the Student Council, said "Of course I do!  Becoming an Academy is a very positive move; with the new opportunities we can do more student led projects and encourage originality".

Peter Lee, Chair of Governors, said "As a Foundation School since 2007, the College has developed and procured many of its own services. Academy status will provide further freedoms and flexibilities that will enable us to focus our resources for the benefit of our staff, students, families and wider community".