Private lessons: Alder Grange leads way in school link up

Date published: 07 February 2010

A Rossendale school has been selected to take part in a ground breaking national initiative designed to strengthen links between independent and state schools.

Alder Grange Community and Technology School, in Rawtenstall has been paired with independent North Yorkshire school, Ampleforth College, as part of the unique programme. Together they will work to build bridges between staff and students at both schools.

The initiative, labeled the 100 Group, has been developed by Ed Balls, the Secretary of State for Schools, Children and Families, and the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The school was selected after headteacher Iain Hulland was named in the top 50 Most Influential Heads in the UK. And, at the launch event in London, Iain and the school’s Head Boy and Girl visited the 2012 Olympic site, and took part in activities with independent and state schools across the country.

Iain, who joined the Rawtenstall school 20 years ago, said: “We are developing close ties with Ampleforth College, which will lead to a mutually beneficial partnership. Despite our differences, I believe we will be able to enrich the opportunities and experiences of Alder Grange pupils throughout our school and Sixth Form. We will be able to learn from them and they will be able to learn from us.

“Over time it will allow us to jointly explore aspects of 21st century education through this relationship. We will be able to build up a really useful dialogue and extend Alder Grange’s contact sphere and friendships. I am sure it will stimulate and influence the way we think.”

Katherine Lucas, Head Girl, said of the London visit: “We enjoyed the experience – and particularly enjoyed the trip to the 2012 Olympic site with gold medalist Tessa Sanderson.”

Head Boy, Robert Pratt, added: “It was great to mix with the other pupils from different backgrounds. I thought there might be class divides but it wasn’t like that. We had similar interests.”

The 100 Group contains the country’s top 50 independent schools, including Eton, Harrow, Winchester and Rugby, and the 50 most influential state schools. Whilst Alder Grange will be working closely with Ampleforth, it will also develop links with other schools in the group.

Iain, who was Headteacher of the Year in 2004, added: “Each school will be able to give their students a more rounded view of the world. It will enrich the lives of the students.

“There have been several attempts in the past to bring independent and state schools together to benefit both, and now an approach has been found that can do that.”