John Penrose

Conservative Party | Weston-super-Mare

Approval of Westhaven School Specialist Status Bid

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has described the approval of Westhaven Special school’s bid for specialist status in Business and Enterprise as “a tribute to the hard work of the staff, pupils and parents”.  The school’s application was approved by the Government today (4th July 2007).

Last year, the school’s bid for specialist status was turned down.

Mr Penrose said:

“It is great news that Westhaven’s bid for specialist status in business and enterprise has now been approved. Their Ofsted report in 2003 concluded that this was a “good and improving school” with “excellent leadership” from the head and staff. The work of the school, friends and the local community in putting the specialist status application together is a tribute to their dedication and commitment.

“I was lucky enough to see them in action when I visited Westhaven to hand out prizes for some excellent Christmas card designs earlier this year. I met staff, pupils and parents and was struck how everyone was clearly working together. They're quite a team.

“Following last year’s disappointment, I have now been contacted by the Under Secretary of State for Schools, Andrew Adonis to pass on the good news that the school’s bid has been approved.  It is thoroughly well deserved.” 

A successful bid should provide the school with £100,000 to improve business-themed education and young enterprise schemes.