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West Cumbria Excellence Cluster gets Independent State School Partnership

Today, Cumbria County Council is delighted to announce that the West Cumbria Excellence Cluster is to become part of the new Independent State School Partnerships. The Project has been successful in the 6th round of the independent State School Partnerships to move forward new links between independent and state schools. 

West Cumbria Excellence Cluster aims to bring together 14-18 year old gifted and talented pupils to improve achievement at GCSE and A level and increase the number of pupils going on to university. The project will give pupils the opportunity to work individually on topics of interest and demonstrate their motivation to learn by piloting a number of Open University modules recently developed by the BBC. Each module offers a taste of university style study, with self-directed learning and a net-based conference facility allowing students to discuss modules with help from an on-line teacher. 

West Cumbria Excellence Cluster consists of the following education establishments   

  • Whitehaven School 
  • Southfield Technology College 
  • Netherhall School 
  • St Benedicts Catholic High School 
  • Stainburn School 
  • Wyndham School 
  • St Bees School 
  • West Lakes Science Park 
  • Open University Cumbria    

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says 

"I am delighted that the West Cumbria Excellence Cluster has been successful in becoming part of the Independent State School Partnerships. I always welcome closer working relationships between schools. This initiative is about encouraging applications to higher education and that is very welcome, aiming high is always to be encouraged." 

Stan Aspinall, Director of the Cluster says 

"This is a wonderful opportunity to extend the brightest and best students in West Cumbria. It will give them a challenge and make them more independent. Students will be able to study new exciting subjects which will give them an edge over other applicants when applying to the top Universities because they will have experienced independent working and will have a love of the subject over the past year."