Boris Johnson visits first two schools set to become Mayoral Academies

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today visited the first two schools set to become Mayoral Academies in September 2010.

At Turin Grove and Gladys Aylward schools, the Mayor met with pupils and teachers and dropped in on some busy art, English and sports lessons. The schools, which are both in Edmonton, are in the final stages of becoming Academies.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: 'I’m thoroughly impressed by the enthusiasm and energy of the pupils and staff I met today. It is my personal belief our schools have a duty to bring out the best in every young person and I truly hope that both Turin Grove and Gladys Aylward will be shining examples of the opportunities Academies can deliver. We have a unique opportunity in Enfield to show what can be done when we aim sky high and I look forward to a triumphant return in September to welcome pupils to the exciting new Academies.'

The two schools are planned to be the first in a series of Mayoral Academies, which aim to boost education attainment in schools that have underachieved historically, and raise the students' horizons such that they are confident they can go on in life to fulfil their dreams. The academies will be sponsored under a unique sponsorship partnership between the Mayor’s London Development Agency and the Academies Enterprise Trust.

Brendan Loughran, Group Director, Learning and Skills at the London Development Agency said: 'The LDA is delighted that through its pioneering collaboration with AET, Turin Grove and Gladys Aylward schools in Edmonton, are on track to become the first of the Mayor's Academies. This means that the schools' pupils, neighbourhoods and the wider communities will benefit from the skills, training and community learning hubs that these ground-breaking academies will provide.'

David Triggs Chief Executive of The Academies Enterprise Trust, said; 'We are committed to doing everything we can, working in partnership with the Mayor and the LDA, to ensure that young people are able to compete on the world stage with the skills, confidence and flair to generate new ideas, new initiatives and thereby make a full contribution to tomorrow’s world.'

Notes to editors

1. Academies are independent state schools with greater flexibility in teaching and learning, staffing and organisation. They are directly accountable to their Sponsors who, in turn, are directly accountable to the Department for Children, Schools and Families. 
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