Private schools urged to aid the poor

Sponsoring or supporting academies would give independent schools the opportunity to spread their “unique ethos, culture and thinking” to tens of thousands of youngsters who could not afford their fees, he said yesterday.

In a speech to the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses Conference (HMC) deputy heads conference, in Manchester, Mr Gibb said some private schools had been reluctant to come forward because of the tough economic climate.

However he suggested there was a “clear expectation” that top state schools choosing to convert to academy status would partner weak schools, and the same should apply in the private sector.

He said: “I believe that formally sponsoring, founding or partnering an academy must be the next logical step for many more independent and state schools.”

Mr Gibb said some private schools had already announced plans to join up with the state sector, citing academies sponsored by Wellington and Dulwich Schools.

Academies are state schools which are funded directly from Government and have the freedom from local councils to set their own timetable and employment arrangements.