While visiting Hilltop, Mark was given a tour of the school by Headteacher, Alison Waite, during which he had the opportunity to meet with staff and pupils, and to discuss various issues, including school funding, and their desire to gain Academy status.
The Government has recently introduced a policy that encourages schools to apply for a change of status with the schools created under this policy becoming Academies, and any school that is performing well is eligible to convert to Academy status. Hilltop Junior School’s last inspection report in May 2009 indicated that the school was a ‘good’ school with the capacity to make even greater improvement, therefore a good candidate for becoming an academy.
The process has now been successfully completed, with support received locally from various organisations and individuals, including Basildon Council, and Mark, as the local MP. Hilltop can now hopefully enjoy greater financial and curriculum freedoms, allowing it to benefit from greater scope to innovate and raise standards, but with the added benefit of remaining publicly funded.
Commenting on his trip to Hilltop and their success in becoming an Academy, Mark said:
“I was delighted that Hilltop was successful in their bid to become an Academy, and that all their hard work paid off. It is a real achievement for all involved. The newly acquired status will benefit pupils immensely and will no doubt prove an exciting opportunity to extend the work already undertaken at Hilltop Junior School, to further enhance and develop the learning of all the children. I wish the Hilltop Junior School Academy all the best for the future”.