A360 Academy SunderlandThe A360 Sunderland Academy delivered as one of three concurrent projects managed by Cambridge Education, and within an overall programme known initially as the ‘Sunderland model’. All three academies were co-sponsored by the Local Authority and local policies, such as admissions, adopted. Each academy was delivered as part of Sunderland City Council’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) Programme, which was in start up when Cambridge Education were appointed as project managers.Cambridge Education provided educational advice, ICT consultancy, project management and HR/TUPE support to the Sunderland academies, which were all due to open in September 2009 in new buildings. The A360 Academy was supported by Gentoo (the local Housing Association) as lead sponsor with Sunderland City Council as co-sponsor. It is a 4-16 Academy that replaced existing primary and secondary schools. It was decided to accelerate the A360 project to open in old buildings in September 2008 with a move to new accommodation in September 2009. Local elections in May 2007 delayed initial consultation on the Academy proposal. Using experience from other projects progressing at the time, Cambridge Education negotiated an approach that focused on local concerns and questions allowing essential discussions to continue thus keeping the project on track. There was agreement to concentrate on partnership and operational elements, steering clear of political issues. This approach was successful and eventually meant the project was ready for accelerated opening a year early. “It has been a pleasure to work with someone who uses firm persuasion so kindly but effectively and I know that we are so grateful for your ability to bring everyone together in a focused way.”
DCSF Education Adviser At the time, it was ground-breaking to have Local Authority co-sponsorship on this scale. The Academy was a key plank of Sunderland’s regeneration and development agenda and had high level sponsorship within the Council. As such, the Chief Executive was closely involved in decision making. Cambridge Education’s Customer Relationship Management system proved useful in providing clear evidence of communication, decision making and approval. The role of Sunderland City Council as co-sponsor also facilitated many of our working relationships within the Human Resources, Asset Management and legal departments quickly and efficiently. Cambridge Education centrally managed project financing and invoicing, working within agreed budgets that both met the project deadline and the sponsor’s quality standards. During the implementation phase the project manager worked effectively with the Academy’s Finance Director and with sponsor’s representatives to review expenditure and to report regularly to the Project Steering Group and the DfE Project Lead. The Academy opened on time, with key staff in post, and on budget. Cambridge Education added value: - In-house provision of all the services (except legal) required for delivery of the Academy
- Project management focused on education outcomes
- Clear understanding of ‘educational transformation’ – rethinking the way education and learning are delivered.
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