BROMLEY EDUCATIONAL TRUST is today launching a public consultation on the education provision for a proposed new specialist secondary school in Bromley – the first of its kind in London.
The Science, Health and Wellbeing (SHaW) Futures Academy will offer 11-19 year-olds an innovative blend of academic and technical education in a brand new building with industry-standard facilities.
The new school is supported by a number of employers from the science, health and wellbeing industries including; King’s College Hospital NHS Trust, Oxleas NHS Trust, MyTime Active and Nuffield Health. Canterbury Christ Church University is supporting the project as the university partner. There is a growing demand for skills in these expanding science and health-related sectors. The proposed school will open up many career opportunities for young people in the region, while securing a pipeline of skilled employees for the coming years.
This will provide the opportunity for local residents, stakeholders and any other interested parties to find out more about the proposals, share their views and ask questions.
Sam Parrett OBE, CEO of Bromley Educational Trust (sponsored by London South East Colleges), says:“SHaW Futures Academy will provide young people with outstanding technical and scientific education to prepare them for successful careers in a range of exciting professions.
“Led and endorsed by top employers, our pioneering curriculum will be delivered in a unique new build, designed by architects and modelled on the latest industrial designs. Students will benefit from the most advanced educational practices across both academic and technical elements.This innovative provision will ensure that students are prepared for work - whether they choose to go via a higher education route or directly into an apprenticeship or employment.
“We are confident that SHaW Futures Academy will be an excellent and much needed addition to secondary school provision in the area. We are keen to hear views on our proposals from as many people as possible to help us best meet the needs of the local community - so please do share your thoughts with us.”
Lord Kerslake, Chairman of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust, says:“SHaW Futures Academy is a unique offer and King’s College Hospital NHS Trust is delighted to be a sponsor of the project. Crucially, the employer-led provision being proposed will ensure that young people have a clear line of sight to work and are made aware of the many exciting career opportunities available in the science, health and wellbeing sectors.
"At the same time, we will be ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge that employers need, and therefore helping to address the ever-growing skills gap.”
Prospective students will be offered a broad and balanced curriculum in Years 7-9, with a strong emphasis on healthy lifestyles, fitness and exercise. As they move through the school, students will get the opportunity to specialise in a number of areas across health, science and sport - while securing a firm academic foundation in all core subjects. Years 12 and 13 (Key Stage 5) will offer highly specialised pathways, established in partnership with employers, focusing wholly on science, health and wellbeing. On completion, students will be well equipped to move into higher education, an apprenticeship or indeed, employment.
Career opportunities in a wide range of areas will be open to students on completion of their studies including roles within: Health and Care (nursing, midwifery, laboratory technician), Public Health (nutritionist, sports therapist, counsellor), Sports Industry (biomechanist, personal trainer) and Applied Science (forensic science, environmental scientist, geneticist).
The proposed school will be based at 1 Westmoreland Road, close to Bromley South Station on a site used as a temporary primary school. It will be led by Bromley Educational Trust (BET), a multi-academy trust sponsored by London South East Colleges.
Plans for the proposed new school have been shared with local communities during public consultation events since September last year. Local residents are being asked for their views ahead of the scheme being sent to Bromley Council for planning submission later this month. The proposals are available to view by clicking here. The consultation being launched today focuses on the education provision that will be offered by the new school. Full details can be found by clicking here, including an online feedback form.
About Bromley Educational Trust: Bromley Educational Trust (BET) is the Multi-Academy Trust which will be leading the SHaW Futures Academy. BET is sponsored by London South East Colleges and provides outstanding education and training for young people within Bromley and its surrounding areas.
About London South East Colleges: London South East Colleges* sponsors Bromley Educational Trust. As the college partner for the project and leading educational provider, it will take a lead role in the structure of the school, contributing its knowledge and expertise of the curriculum.
About King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust: King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an employer partner. It is one of London’s leading teaching hospitals with a world class reputation and provides a full range of services for people in the London boroughs of Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham and Bromley, as well as specialist provision for patients further afield.
About Canterbury Christ Church University: Canterbury Christ Church University is a University partner. The University has an outstanding reputation for its programmes in Teacher Education, Health and Wellbeing. The new school will benefit from the University’s expertise in educating people preparing for careers in public service. Its students will benefit from academic and professional progression pathways in key subject disciplines.
About Oxleas NHS Trust: Oxleas NHS Trust is an employer partner. It provides local NHS services in south London and Kent specialising in community health, mental health and learning disability services.
About MyTimeActive: MyTimeActive is an employer partner. As a social enterprise with charitable objectives, they invest in a range of projects and services to meet the needs of diverse local communities.
*London South East Colleges is the trading name of Bromley College of Further and Higher Education