Mount Carmel and EGA honoured as high-performing specialist schools

Mount Carmel RC Technology College and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Language College have been classified as ‘high-performing specialist schools’ by the DfES and the Specialist Schools Trust. Both schools were invited to attend a special seminar in September hosted by the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP, Secretary of State for Education and Skills.

More than 100 of the country’s top performing schools are being offered a new element to their specialist status, under recent Government plans. High-performing specialist schools applying for redesignation this year will be able to take up one of four additional roles in addition to their existing specialism:

  • Take up a second specialism in a curriculum area

  • Take up a second specialism in vocational learning

  • Become a training school – providing teacher training and professional development

  • Work to raise achievement with partner schools.

Seven of Islington’s nine secondary schools are now specialist. There are currently 1686 specialist schools across the country – 54 percent of all secondary schools. Specialist schools focus on a chosen subject, while still meeting National Curriculum requirements and delivering a balanced education to all pupils. Mount Carmel became a specialist technology college in September 2000, while Elizabeth Garrett Anderson became a specialist language school in September 2002 and receives sponsorship from the Guardian.

Notes to editors

For more information on the Specialist Schools Trust, please visit www.specialistschools.org.uk

Islington’s seven specialist schools are:

  • Elizabeth Garrett Anderson (language)

  • Mount Carmel (technology)

  • Central Foundation (business and enterprise)

  • Highbury Grove (business and enterprise)

  • Highbury Fields (science)

  • Islington Arts and Media School (performing arts and media)

  • Holloway School (sports)

For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department:

Louise Trewavas
T: 020 7527 5826
E: louise.trewavas.cea@islington.gov.uk
Caroline Rowe
T: 020 7527 5545
E: caroline.rowe.cea@islington.gov.uk

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