News Updates
25/01/2012
UTC@MediaCityUK Announces Public Consultation
09/05/2013
The development of plans for a new University Technical College at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays, has taken a further step forward with the start of a consultation process involving parents, students, schools and colleges, employers, representative bodies and the community.
Charity swim by Darwen pupils in aid of RNIB
08/05/2013
A pair of registered blind schoolchildren from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy are raising money for charity by swimming a mile.
BACA Announce Interim Principal
07/05/2013
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy has announced the appointment of Michael Brett as Interim Principal in succession to Phil Hogg, who has announced her intention to retire.
UTC@MediaCityUK Seeks First Principal
01/05/2013
The UTC@MediaCity UK, Salford Quays, has begun the recuitment process for its first Principal and Chief Executive.
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy New Principal Announced
26/04/2013
Mr. James Fox, who has been acting as Interim Principal since January, has been announced as the new permanent Principal at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy.
Council Leader & CEO Join Sir Rod at PACA Topping Out Ceremony
23/04/2013
A £12.7m building and refurbishment project which is transforming Portslade Aldridge Community Academy has reached its first major milestone, with a ceremony to celebrate the work carried out so far
Kensington Aldridge Academy Announces Appointment of First Principal
08/04/2013
Kensington Aldridge Academy, which will open in September 2014, has announced the appointment of Mr. David Benson as the school's first Principal.
IPACA Students Invited To Oxford University
28/03/2013
Students from the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy have recently visited Oxford colleges at the invitation of the University as it seeks to encourage more children from state schools to consider Oxford as a potential destination.
Newhaven UTC Gets Government Go-ahead
28/03/2013
The multi-million pound bid to set up a University Technical College (UTC) in Newhaven, specialising in marine and environmental engineering today received the green light from the government. The bid was submitted by the Foundation, the University of Brighton and Lewes District Council in partnership with lead employment sponsor Veolia Environmental Services Plc.
DACA Encourages The Next Generation Of Business Women
25/03/2013
To celebrate International Women's Day and National Careers Week, Darwen Aldridge Community Academy organised a special event to celebrate working women and encourage the next generation of business women.
Kensington Aldridge Academy Construction Starts!
12/03/2013
The Kensington Aldridge Academy and Kensington Leisure Centre scheme reached an important milestone on Monday 11 March when a sod cutting ceremony took place on site to officially mark the start of construction work.
Aldridge Cricket Academy Trial Date Announced
04/03/2013
The Aldridge Cricket Academy is holding trials for entry onto its new sixth form courses on March 25th from 1pm at The BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground in Hove.
DACA Students Help Uganda’s Street Children
01/03/2013
Nine students from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy take a trip of a lifetime to Uganda. Their mission was to help the charity RETRAK, which has a number of projects helping street children in Kampala who have been displaced from other communities through persecution, or who have lost parents and family to AIDS or HIV.
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School Moves Towards September Opening
28/02/2013
Plans for a new Studio School in Darwen have moved a step closer to reality following the sign off of plans by the Department for Education (DfE) and the appointment of a Principal Designate.
Isle Of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Planning Application Resubmitted
27/02/2013
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Trust has submitted an updated application for the new Academy Campus at Southwell Park, which has now been registered by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.
Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy launches world-leading programme with BT
22/02/2013
To mark the launch of an exciting e-mentor project, seven Year 10 students from the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) recently visited the BT Tower in London.
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy Seeks New Principal
19/02/2013
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy is advertising for a new Principal to start in September 2013, following the retirement of Phil Hogg at the end of this academic year.
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School Section 10 Consultation Launched
18/02/2013
The consultation on the proposal to open the Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio (DAES) begins on Monday 18 February 2013. Consultation on the proposals will be carried out for a period of 6 weeks, thus ending on Friday 29 March 2013.
Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy New Osprey Quay Campus Handed Over By Council
13/02/2013
Dorset County Council, Co-Sponsors of the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA), have handed over the new Osprey Quay Campus to the Academy at an official ceremony at the new site.
This Is A Good School!
08/02/2013
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) Principal Brendan Loughran has welcomed their recent Ofsted Report as further confirmation of the progress that the innovative school has made since it opened in September 2008. The Inspectors, who visited the school in January, gave it a "Good" rating on every aspect of its assessment, commenting 'The focus and drive is very clearly on improving the life-chances of every student, whatever their circumstances, so that they can make a difference not only to their own lives but to the community in which they live.'
Aldridge Foundation Appoints Peter Dougill To Lead New Educational Improvement Team
06/02/2013
The Aldridge Foundation has appointed Peter Dougill, a former teacher, HMI and Senior Education Adviser, as Director of Education. Peter will lead a new team of highly qualified Academic Partners, whose primary remit is to add capacity and support the work of each Aldridge sponsored academy.
Pegasus Awards Launch At PACA
05/02/2013
The Aldridge Foundation has launched the second phase of the Brighton & Hove Pegasus Programme aimed at the neighbourhood surrounding Portslade Aldridge Community Academy.
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy celebrates success
01/02/2013
Students at Portslade Aldridge Community Academy celebrated their successes with parents and teachers at the Academy's Awards evening on Wednesday 30th January.
Kensington Aldridge Academy Seeks First Principal
25/01/2013
The new Kensington Aldridge Academy, which will open in September 2014, is advertising for its first Principal.
PACA Ofsted Inspection Report
09/01/2013
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy Chair of Governors Honor Wilson-Fletcher welcomed the school's recent Ofsted Report, the first since the Portslade Community College converted to an Academy in September 2011.
BACA Ofsted Inspection Report
20/12/2012
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy Principal Phil Hogg welcomed the school's recent Ofsted Report and its recognition that "a transformation has taken place in behaviour and teaching since the academy opened."
Pegasus Award Winners
19/12/2012
Four groups of young people from the Bevendean and Moulsecoomb area have received a Pegasus Award to help them make their idea for a local community project happen. The awards have been developed to match groups of young people with an idea to make something positive happen in their local community, with a top-notch mentor and £500 cash.
BACA Governor Receives Public Recognition
18/12/2012
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy governor James (Jim) May is among six new Deputy Lieutenants who have been appointed by the Lord Lieutenant for the County of East Sussex.
DACA Celebrates Students' Achievements
30/11/2012
THE fourth annual celebration evening of Darwen Aldridge Community Academy celebrated the academic achievements of the school's pupils. Principal Brendan Loughran said: "In four successive years the academic outcomes of students at GCSE have improved, setting new records every year."
Challenge to business leaders on Skills for Work - Help create the equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award
21/11/2012
The Aldridge Foundation has challenged the CBI and other leading business and education organisations to help them create a national "award" that students can use to show employers that they have the mindset and skills for work ... in the same way that the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme has become a widely recognised badge of life skills.
Aldridge Foundation Voted Academy Provider Of The Year
21/11/2012
The Aldridge Foundation was named Academy Provider of the Year 2012 at the EducationInvestor Awards on the 15th November 2012
The Aldridge Foundation Launches First Entrepreneurial Education Assessment Tool
12/11/2012
Does an entrepreneurial education make any difference? The Aldridge Foundation launches first assessment tool.
DACA Football Academy Wins Through
12/11/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy's Football Academy beat North Liverpool League 4 side Alsop High School 2-0 in Liverpool in round 4 of the English Schools Football Association Cup. This takes the Academy team, which is only in its first year, into the last 64 nationally of the competition which is the equivalent of the FA Cup 3rd round!
Brighton Pegasus Awards Launch
26/10/2012
The Brighton Pegasus Awards are launched – giving local young people’s ideas wings.
Cricket Sixth Form Courses Launched
18/10/2012
The Aldridge Foundation has teamed up with the Sussex Cricket Board and Sussex County Cricket Club to launch new sixth form courses for talented male and female cricketers who want a career in the game but don't want to miss out on qualifications along the way.
Newhaven UTC Bid Community Survey Launched
15/10/2012
The University of Brighton, Lewes District Council and the Aldridge Foundation are backing the idea of establishing a University Technical College (UTC) to equip young people with engineering skills and have launched an online consultation to collect views from the local community and businesses.
DACA To Double Its Sports Academies
11/10/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy has unveiled ambitious plans to double the size of its already successful sports academies in 2013.
Academy Submits Planning Application For New Southwell Park Campus
03/10/2012
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Trust has submitted a planning application to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to develop the new Academy Campus at Southwell Park.
Kensington Aldridge Academy Receives Planning Permission
27/09/2012
Plans the Kensington Aldridge Academy in North Kensington were given the go ahead last night (Wednesday 26 September) by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Nick Clegg Visits BACA
25/09/2012
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited Brighton Aldridge Community Academy on Tuesday 25th September to talk students as part of the Speakers For Schools programme.
IPACA Helps African Aid Charity
24/09/2012
The opening of the new Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) has also helped children in Africa – when students and parents donated their uniforms from the previous schools to Operation Sunshine.
DACA's success at the Enterprising Britain Awards
20/09/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) is celebrating after receiving special recognition at today’s Enterprising Britain Awards.
Rewarding Exceptional Progress
20/09/2012
Sir Rod Aldridge has initiated a reward programme at both Aldridge Academies in Brighton and Hove which allows students showing exceptional progress the opportunity to be recognised and nominated by staff to receive a top prize.
PACA Summer School
11/09/2012
PACA Summer School was a fantastic week of activities, learning and fun!
New Academy on Portland Opens
06/09/2012
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy opened for the first time today as the new school year started.
BACA Celebrates Yet Another Set Of Record Breaking Results!
23/08/2012
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy celebrates GCSE results that have improved by a whopping 86% over two years.
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy Celebrates GCSE Results
23/08/2012
After record A Level results last week, students at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy are celebrating their GCSE achievements today
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy congratulates GCSE students on their achievements
23/08/2012
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) Principal Stuart McLaughlin has congratulated his GCSE students on their achievements following the announcement of exam results this morning.
IPACA Transitional Governing Board Announced
17/08/2012
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA)has announced the appointment of its Transitional Board of Governors. The Board is made up of local parents with children attending IPACA and governors of the predecessor schools who have formed the Academy, together with thePrincipal, Alison Appleyard, a member of the Academy's staff and experts in the field of education, project and charity management.
Record Breaking A Level Successes
16/08/2012
Students at Aldridge Community Academies are celebrating yet another record-breaking set of A Level results.
Plans for new Academy campus at Southwell Park go on show
14/08/2012
Detailed plans for an exceptional new Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) campus at Southwell Park will go on show to the community later this month at two exhibition events.
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School Gets The Green Light
18/07/2012
Proposals to open a Studio School in Darwen have today been officially approved by the Department for Education. The Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, which will be sponsored by The Aldridge Foundation, will open in September 2013.
IPACA Travel Plan Update
16/07/2012
A link to a document posted on a Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Planning Department web site and shown as the Proposed Travel Plan for the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy has been circulating on social media sites. The document posted was in fact an unsigned draft interim proposal produced by external Consultants AECOM Ltd and is not the proposed Travel Plan of the Academy.
Darwen Academy Students Success In National Art Competiton
16/07/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) are celebrating after three students had work selected for the National Students' Art Exhibition in London.
Academy Announces Further Help For Parents With Uniforms
13/07/2012
Reception and Year 7 parents are to receive a free set of the main items of uniform, matching the Government Grant funded free provision to all other parents.
PACA Sad News
04/07/2012
IPACA Reception Uniform Fitting
03/07/2012
Details of the uniform fitting sessions open to parents of children who will be in Reception at the Academy from September 2012.
IPACA Year 6 Uniform Fitting
28/06/2012
Uniform Fitting Available on Year 6 Transition Evening 16th July 2012
Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Launches New Logo
21/06/2012
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy (IPACA) has revealed its new logo, produced with the help of students and a local designer.
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Trust appoints first Principal
01/06/2012
The Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy Trust has announced the appointment of Mrs Alison Appleyard as the Academy's first Principal.
Landmark Digital and Media College to Open at MediaCityUK
29/05/2012
The Department for Education announced on Tuesday that they will be supporting the development of a new University Technical College at MediaCityUK, Salford Quays. This landmark UTC will work directly with some of the most prestigious names in the digital and media industry to revolutionise the way young people develop crucial skills and pathways to jobs.
Aldridge Cricket Academy Launches
09/05/2012
A new initiative to increase the number of youngsters playing cricket in the Brighton and Hove area will be launched at The PROBIZ County Ground, Hove, on Wednesday 9th May, the first day of Sussex's clash with Lancashire in the LV=County Championship. It is hoped that the Aldridge Cricket Academy will eventually produce players competing at the highest levels.
Brighton Aldridge Community Academy helps the first state-funded bilingual English / Spanish primary school in the UK
08/05/2012
The proposed Bilingual Primary School, Brighton & Hove has reached agreement with Brighton Aldridge Community Academy to locate at the Academy's Lewes Road campus, subject to consultation this month. The Primary School aims to be the first state-funded bilingual English / Spanish primary school in the UK and is planning to open this September.
Newly Announced Portland Academy Seeks Principal
20/04/2012
The Isle of Portland Academy Trust is seeking a candidate for the post of Principal to lead this high profile Academy and transform an island community, which is already the focus of interest and attention nationally and internationally.
Go Ahead Announced For New Portland Academy
17/04/2012
Portland Headteachers, school governors, Academy patron Professor Stephen Heppell and sponsors the Aldridge Foundation and Dorset County Council are delighted to announce that the Isle of Portland Aldridge Community Academy has got the green light to open from the Secretary of State for Education. The funding for the Academy to open in September 2012 has now been approved by the Minister.
World Cup Winner Coaches at BACA and PACA
16/03/2012
World Cup winning England Woman's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards paid a visit to Portslade and Brighton Aldridge Community Academies this week to talk to students about her passion for sport and her journey from back garden cricket to the top of the world game. Charlotte also gave boys and girls at both academies hands-on coaching sessions and took part in indoor cricket games, even bowling a few deliveries at the enthusiastic youngsters!
PACA Sad News
05/03/2012
Everyone at the Foundation would like to add our thoughts to those expressed by PACA Principal Stuart McLaughlin
Darwen Academy Student's Designs Go On National Sale
01/03/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy Sixth Form student Khushna Sulaman Butt has been selected by wallcoverings company Graham and Brown to have one of her wall art designs turned into a wallpaper that will be sold nationwide through the Wilkinson chain of stores.
DACA Wins Innovative Academy Award
29/02/2012
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy is celebrating winning the IAA's KPMG sponsored Innovative Academy of the Year Award
Baroness Prosser visits Portslade Aldridge Community Academy
10/02/2012
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) hosted a visit from Baroness Margaret Prosser, OBE, a Labour life peer who is sits in the House of Lords today. The Baroness hosted a talk to students from the Academy’s 6th Form and GCSE History sets on the UK’s political and parliamentary processes, as well as answering some searching questions on life at Westminster.
Honour for Chairman Rod Aldridge
10/01/2012
The Chairman & Founder of The Aldridge Foundation, Rod Aldridge, has received further recognition for his work on behalf young people with the announcement of a Knighthood in the New Year Honours List.
Minister congratulates BACA on Ofsted progress
02/12/2011
On his visit to the school, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk praised the Academy’s recent Ofsted result, and the its commitment to placing an entrepreneurial culture at the heart of school life. The Academy was recently judged to be ‘good with no recommendations’.
Aldridge Foundation's tips to develop effective skills for work
16/11/2011
As the latest youth unemployment figures are published, The Aldridge Foundation has launched a series of tips to help parents develop an entrepreneurial mindset in their children and hit out at programmes like “Young Apprentice” for ‘unhelpful’ portrayals of entrepreneurs in the media.
Foundation forms partnership with Writhlington Business and Enterprise School
14/11/2011
The Aldridge Foundation has announced a new partnership with the Writhlington Business and Enterprise School in Radstock, near Bath.
BACA and DACA achieve record breaking exam results!
25/08/2011
The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) has seen a colossal 64% increase in the number of students securing five or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C including English and Maths while the Darwen Academy has scored the highest ever GCSE results.
DACA students are "in a league of their own" - record A Level results announced
18/08/2011
Students from the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) Sixth Form are celebrating record-breaking A Level examination results. The Academy has recorded a 98% pass rate, with a quarter of the results at A* and A grades, and 36% of the results at A*, A and B grades.
Entrepreneurship: The Key to Unlocking Learning
18/07/2011
The Aldridge Foundation has published a new report, calling for more entrepreneurial thinking to be put at the heart of the education system – both in the classroom and in teacher training.
New Portland Academy proposal given the go-ahead
30/06/2011
The Aldridge Foundation is to become the lead sponsor of a proposed innovative “all-through” Academy in Portland, Dorset.
Best selling author Anthony Horowitz to visit Darwen Academy
29/06/2011
The best selling author, Anthony Horowitz – creator of the “Alex Rider” stories about a teenage spy - is to visit the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) on Tuesday 5th July.
Aldridge Foundation is Academy Sponsor of the Year!
23/06/2011
The Aldridge Foundation was named Academy Sponsor of the Year at the British Council for Schools Environment “Best of British” Awards last night.
Joe's A Winner!
17/06/2011
The Foundation is thrilled to learn that a graduate of the My Life Is My Business scheme, Joe McInerney, has been named Outstanding Achiever of the Year at the annual ‘Young ‘Uns’ award, organised by Lancashire Business View and the University of Central Lancashire.
Portslade students choose Portslade Academy’s new logo
08/06/2011
As the date for opening the new Portslade Aldridge Community Academy gets nearer, students have played a key role in choosing the Academy’s new logo.
Kensington Aldridge Academy is for the community
19/05/2011
As plans for the new Kensington Aldridge Academy start to develop, Rod Aldridge and Honor Wilson Fletcher attended a community meeting to discuss the project with local people in North Kensington.
Darwen’s Aldridge Pioneers get to work
16/05/2011
After the Aldridge Foundation and the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy successfully secured £150,000 from NESTA’s Neighbourhood Challenge fund, work is now well underway to deliver the project.
Plans for Portslade Aldridge Community Academy unveiled
09/05/2011
The first plans for the new Portslade Academy have been published, and the community has been invited to have their say.
Enterprise 'at heart' of school visited by William and Kate
12/04/2011
Darwen Academy, visited by Prince William and Kate Middleton today, has used entrepreneurship to improve results, says the independent school's sponsor, Capita founder Rod Aldridge.
Prince William: Darwen Academy is ‘ground-breaking’
12/04/2011
His Royal Highness, Prince William, has described the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy as ground-breaking. Opening the Academy with Miss Catherine Middleton on 11th April, the Prince said: “It will transform the lives of families in Darwen and, through its example, countless others elsewhere.” After touring the building, the Prince said: “Everyone is so talented here.”
Portslade Aldridge Community Academy opens for business in September
08/04/2011
The name of the Foundation’s new Academy has been revealed – the Portslade Aldridge Community Academy (PACA) will open for business this September.
Our Academies & Communities
25/03/2011
The Aldridge Foundation uses entrepreneurship as a catalyst for young people to create lasting social change for them and their communities.
Rod Aldridge: “Budget tackles some of the enemies of enterprise, but we must build an entrepreneur"
23/03/2011
Following the Budget, Rod Aldridge has said that while progress has been made on creating a more entrepreneurial society, not enough is being done to encourage it at the classroom level.
Foundation secures NESTA funding for innovative regeneration projects
17/02/2011
The Aldridge Foundation is one of only 16 organisations to secure funding from the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts (NESTA) as part of their Neighbourhood Challenge project.
Darwen’s Academy graded good for the contribution pupils make to school & wider community
16/02/2011
The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy has recently undergone a full Section 5 OFSTED inspection.
February 2011 Update
07/02/2011
The Foundation was delighted to move on through the next stage for a new Academy in Portslade. Co-sponsored by Brighton and Hove City Council, with University of Sussex as our Education Partner, the Academy would specialise in entrepreneurship and science. With £12.7m committed by Ministers, a mix of refurbishment and new buildings will see a dynamic new space created, with first class facilities for both specialisms as well as sport – a subject traditionally important within the Aldridge Academies. Brighton and Hove City Council are currently consulting on the closure of Portslade Community College, which, if approved by the Cabinet, will lead to the opening of the Academy.
Portslade Academy given green light
06/02/2011
The Aldridge Foundation has welcomed the proposal by Brighton and Hove City Council to open a new Academy in Portslade, Brighton, in September 2011, which will include a brand new sixth form. This will replace the existing Portslade Community College.
Big Giver: Rod Aldridge, Aldridge Foundation
25/01/2011
Rod Aldridge of The Aldridge Foundation tells our reporter Sophie Hudson how he likes to donate his skills, not just his cash, to the projects he works on.
Super Sally is riding high
18/01/2011
Sally Riding has continued her remarkable return to skating after she was selected to represent Great Britain in the European Championship.
Foundation secures £12.7million for Portslade Academy
18/01/2011
The Aldridge Foundation has welcomed the decision by the Secretary of State to commit £12.7million of funding to enable the Foundation and Brighton and Hove City Council to develop the proposed new Academy for Portslade.
New photos show the progress at BACA
17/01/2011
Aerial photographs (gallery, right) taken over the weekend show the speed at which the new home of the Brighton Aldridge Community Academy is being developed.
Darwen nominated as Academy of the Year
19/11/2010
The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy was a finalist in the Academy of the Year category at the Education Investor Awards 2010. While DACA did not win in the end, staff and students are proud to have made the shortlist after only being Darwen Aldridge Community Academy open for 2 years.
Global Entrepreneurship Week at DACA
15/11/2010
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy staff and students are getting into the swing of Global Entrepreneurship Week, which kicked off today, running activities open to local community members of all ages. GEW is an international initiative co-foundedb Enterprise UK.
Principal Designate for proposed Portslade Academy named
08/11/2010
Stuart McLaughlin will be the Principal Designate of the proposed new Academy in Portslade, if the project is given the go-ahead by the Government and Brighton Council’s Cabinet.
November 2010 Update
01/11/2010
Darwen Aldridge Community Academy welcomed business leaders and community members of all ages through its doors on October 20th, celebrating its move to the brand new site in the heart of Darwen town centre. The day kicked off with the launch of No Limit’s Youth Enterprise Award, which was held within DarwenCreates – our unique entrepreneurship bridge offering local young people the chance to run their own start-up business within one of eleven office pods.
We must defeat this culture of low aspiration
28/10/2010
At a time when the global economy remains precarious, and the UK Government has embarked on the most radical pruning of the public purse in more than a decade, the need for entrepreneurial thinking in our communities has never been greater, not least among our young people.
Darwen pupils make a fast book
25/10/2010
Six students are bidding to become novelists after taking up a challenge to each speed-write a book.
Darwen Creates
20/10/2010
In its state of the art building Darwen Aldridge Community Academy offers students and members of the community a uunique resource to help turn business ideas into reality - Darwen Creates.
Topping Out ceremony for BACA’s new home
06/10/2010
The Brighton Aldridge Community Academy has marked its opening with the Student Founders Day, which included the formal topping out ceremony of the Academy’s new home. The day also saw the launch of the new Falmer Cricket Club, a partnership with Sussex County Cricket Club, which saw professional players Ollie Rainer and Lewis Hatchett take on a team of BACA students and Aldridge Foundation staff.
BACA celebrates European day of languages
04/10/2010
To celebrate European day of languages the Modern Foreign languages department encouraged the whole Academy to embrace their knowledge of foreign vocabulary. Students voted for the teacher who made the most effort to speak foreign languages throughout the day on Monday 27th September and were encouraged themselves to try out any words they had learned or spoke at home.
Brighton’s new Academy open for business
06/09/2010
The new Brighton Aldridge Community Academy in Falmer opened for business at the start of September. The Academy has introduced a new school uniform which was designed by the students themselves in a competition, and was worn proudly by everyone on the first day of term. The students also designed the Academy’s new logo.
University success for DACA sixth form
01/09/2010
With 90% of students passing their A Levels, five of the students attending the DACA sixth form have secured places at University. Not only are they the first Darwen sixth form students to do this, they are the first people from their families to have ever gone to University.
Best ever exam results at Darwen Academy
25/08/2010
Students at the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy have broken records with a 26% increase in the number of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSE grades A*-C that include English and Maths.
Darwen students to open ‘DART’ gallery
14/06/2010
A new art gallery created by Darwen Aldridge Community Academy will officially open on Wednesday, from 6pm to 8pm.
Engineering a Brighter Future
13/06/2010
London — Mo is 19. He comes from a stable family and doesn't get into trouble, but struggles to identify his strengths and has no idea what he'd like to do in the future. Vicky is a few years younger. After a chaotic childhood, when she spent some time in foster care, she now lives with her father. Despite often skipping school, she is lively and articulate with lots of interests and a passion for writing.
Small actions x lots of people = big change
02/06/2010
In times of austerity, it is even more necessary for change to come from within, rather than for it to be inflicted by policy-makers.
Capita chief on dancing cheap to chic
28/05/2010
Everyone has a passion, and sometimes a passion you might not associate with them. On first meeting Rod Aldridge, the straight-talking founder of outsourcing business Capita, it is not obvious what his might be. But as he chats about his work with young people from deprived communities Mr Aldridge’s passion becomes clear — ballroom dancing.
Young Speakers inspire social and environmental action among peers
20/05/2010
A pilot scheme training secondary school students to inspire younger pupils to improve the environment and community is proving more effective than some traditional teacher-led lessons.
My savings are greater than yours
29/04/2010
My savings are greater than yours... The clash of the two 'efficiency czars' in the press has made for fascinating reading over the past weeks.
Teenagers offered chance to make their lives their business
15/04/2010
Teenagers are being offered the chance to join an exciting new scheme that could change their lives and teach them how to set up a business.
Functional Skills for all
26/03/2010
The Government recently announced that the functional skills curriculum will be implemented in all schools from this September.
March 2010 Update
23/03/2010
Welcome to the March 2010 Update: Rod Aldridge hosts Dance Summit to unite the sector in common goal; Rod Aldridge keynote speaker at SSAT Business and Enterprise Conference; Darwen Aldridge Community Academy celebrates Topping Out; Aldridge Academies Director urges sponsors to constantly move with the times.
Dance Summit Report
17/03/2010
In February 2010, on behalf of the Dance Champions Group, the Foundation delivered the Dance Champions Dance Summit. The Dance Champions Group, chaired by Rod Aldridge, were looking to develop key recommendations for overcoming barriers to participation in dance for those aged 16 and above.
A nation on its toes
17/03/2010
We love to watch Strictly Come Dancing, but why don't more of us have a go ourselves? Sue George reports on a summit that debated how to get more people in the UK taking up dancing as a fun physical activity.
Dance Summit urges industry to use new directory to boost public participation
17/03/2010
A pilot version of the website was unveiled at the national Dance Summit (in February) by the Dance Champions Group (DCG), which includes the choreographer Arlene Phillips, TV presenter Angela Rippon and professional dancer Darren Bennett.
Dance Summit Report
17/03/2010
In February 2010, on behalf of the Dance Champions Group, the Foundation delivered the Dance Champions Dance Summit. The Dance Champions Group, chaired by Rod Aldridge, were looking to develop key recommendations for overcoming barriers to participation in dance for those aged 16 and above.
Darwen Academy project near journey’s end
05/03/2010
This is the first look around Darwen’s new multi-million pound academy and sixth-form centre.
The importance of school libraries
18/02/2010
One doesn’t need to be involved in education to know that poor literacy is still an issue in this country – and that it is costing us all dearly.
The changing face of teaching
21/01/2010
Latest figures released by the Training and Development Agency for Schools on recruitment make interesting reading.
The ambitious US schools that influence Tory policy
19/01/2010
The charter school model in the US could soon be replicated over here. Lauren Higgs reports.
Opening Eyes Project - Taking Students from the North West to New York City
18/01/2010
The aim was to create an educational foreign travel experience that would broaden their horizons and inspire them to achieve more at school and in their lives. More specifically, it was designed to to open the eyes of both the students and teachers to new and radical ways of teaching, challenge cultural perceptions and enrich their understanding of the entrepreneurship specialism taught at the school.
Entrepreneurship can solve youth unemployment, says Rod Aldridge
27/12/2009
Teaching entrepreneurship may be the answer to the UK's economic woes, reckons the Capita founder.
Educational Deficit
17/12/2009
Some of the most disadvantaged young people are missing out on vital money management training that could save them from a life of debt, according to research conducted by MyBnk for the Aldridge Foundation.
Opening Eyes - from the North West to New York
16/12/2009
In October 2009, 19 sixth formers from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), in Lancashire, embarked on a unique school visit to New York City. These students were participants in the Academy’s first international trip as part of the new Opening Eyes programme, which give students the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden their horizons. Many of them had never travelled abroad before - some didn’t even have passports before the visit.
December 2009 Update
02/12/2009
December 2009: Francis Maude debates public service reform at Aldridge Foundation dinner; Aldridge Foundation welcomes Career Academy students; Aldridge Foundation piloted dance programme reaches 100,000 children; Rod Aldridge takes part in turf-cutting for Academy at Falmer.
It all adds up... or does it?
18/11/2009
According to a MoneySense research report last year, 91% of British adults have never been taught how to manage their money.
Business studies can make entrepreneurs of deprived children
13/11/2009
Teaching business at school is the best way to encourage disadvantaged pupils to become entrepreneurs, according to a new report.
Entrepreneurs driven by hardship, not hard cash
03/11/2009
Personal adversity is what motivates many entrepreneurs to build successful companies, a report says.
November 2009 Update
02/11/2009
November 2009: Rod Aldridge launches Dance Champions Group at Southbank Centre; Aldridge Foundation finds adversity motivates entrepreneurs; Darwen Aldridge Community Academy welcomes DCSF Permanent Secretary; Darwen students travel to New York to learn from social enterprises.
Origins of an Entrepreneur
30/10/2009
The Origins of an Entrepreneur survey asked 370 of the country’s successful entrepreneurs about their backgrounds, education, motivations and personal characteristics.
Adversity motivates UK’s successful entrepreneurs, says survey
30/10/2009
Personal adversity is a driving factor motivating the UK’s successful entrepreneurs according to a survey by the Aldridge Foundation (www.aldridgefoundation.com).
Children must be taught about finance in the classroom
22/10/2009
As the year comes to an end and the recession rumbles on, many young people are falling victim to the economic slowdown. Some are being hit by the lack of jobs, while others have succumbed to the easy credit which is still often available. A survey conducted by the charity MyBnk for the Aldridge Foundation has explored the financial knowledge and needs of young people living in Brighton and Hove who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Rod Aldridge, the sponsor of the Falmer Academy in Brighton, talks to Emily-Ann Elliott about the importance of learning about finance in the classroom.
Enterprising school opens students’ eyes with trip to the Bronx
20/10/2009
Teachers and students from the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, in Lancashire, are being taken on an eye-opening trip to New York to learn how social enterprise and inspiring educational techniques can benefit disadvantaged communities.
A lesson from the Bronx
15/10/2009
I recently visited two schools in the Bronx in New York. Both are in very challenging communities where crime, drugs and unemployment are prevalent. But both are out performing other local schools.
Dance Stars Launch Campaign to Get Nation on the Floor
15/10/2009
The Department of Health’s ‘Dance Champions’ Group, will embark on a nationwide tour to get the country dancing, Public Health Minister Gillian Merron will announce today.
Falmer Academy Open Day Gives a Glimpse of the Future
04/10/2009
Parents and students were given a glimpse of the future Falmer Academy at an open evening held on Thursday.
October 2009 Update
02/10/2009
October 2009: Rod Aldridge calls for simplified outsourcing system; First Entrepreneurship Career Academy launched in Darwen; Aldridge Foundation cautiously welcomes changes to Academy sponsorship system; Falmer Academy Open Evening takes place.
A contract for change
30/09/2009
It is surprising that, at a time when there is a desperate need to cut costs across all central government departments, the opportunities to bid for the outsourcing of back office, white collar services is at an all-time low. As a contractor, you have to wait for an opportunity to be advertised in the EU Journal before the bid process begins, and from there it could take 12 to 18 months before a contract is let. So this is your pipeline for future work around which you plan resources. At present, the pipeline is at its lowest flow ever.
Tackling youth unemployment
10/09/2009
For many, the summer of 2009 will be remembered as the time when the English cricket team regained the Ashes from the Australians. For me, it will go down as the time when youth unemployment rose to just short of one million – not something to celebrate.
How to ensure a healthy outlook
06/08/2009
In response to Rod Aldridge’s opinion on public sector absenteeism (Plugged in, The MJ, 30 July), we know, from our own experience on the ground, that sickness absence is an issue which really affects councils in the UK
The can-do crusader
05/08/2009
Rod Aldridge, 11-plus failure turned business success and academy benefactor, tells Alison Benjamin why he is dedicated to helping disadvantaged young people fulfil their potential – and how entrepreneurship drives social mobility.
Inspirational Community Initiative for Darwen
05/08/2009
Blackburn with Darwen Council, the Community Voluntary Service and the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), have collectively secured up to £450,000 Funding as part of the Inspiring Communities Grant Programme.
August 2009 Update
02/08/2009
August 2009: Aldridge Foundation celebrates Third Anniversary; Aldridge Foundation Prospectus published; Students of Darwen Aldridge Community Academy launch art gallery; Aldridge Academy students perform at Chelsea FC; Alan Milburn speaks on social mobility at Aldridge Foundation event.
It's enough to make you sick
30/07/2009
Absence through sickness in the public sector is costing the taxpayer around £4bn a year, according to a recent survey conducted by Benenden Healthcare and SOLACE.
Prospectus
21/07/2009
To co-incide with The Aldridge Foundation's Third Anniversary Summer Party, we have published a Prospectus setting out the achievements of the last three years, our current ambitions, and goals for the months to come - both within the Foundation, and at our two Academies in Darwen and Falmer.
July 2009 Update
14/07/2009
July 2009: Building design for second Aldridge Academy announced; Aldridge Foundation pilot of Essentially Dance concludes with launch of evaluation; We Are What We Do Young Speakers’ training takes place; Sport specialism celebrated at Darwen Aldridge Community Academy; Foundation welcomes secondee from Department for Communities and Local Governmen
Sponsor engagement - a sponsor's perspective
13/07/2009
Sally Ritchie, the Foundation's Academies Director, outlines the pressures placed on a sponsor and the level of commitment required, as well as the change a sponsor can help drive not just in a school, but in the whole community; to the SSAT Manchester Academies Group.
CE+CI+CS+VC x C = PC
26/06/2009
Much of what I now do through my foundation involves working in communities with under-achieving young people and socially-excluded groups. So many still have so few opportunities, simply because of accidents of birth and family circumstance.
Ballroom for 'better behaviour'
23/06/2009
Ballroom dancing is helping to get children interested in exercise and is improving their classroom behaviour, a study has found.
Ballroom dancing 'helps pupils' behaviour and motivates children to exercise'
22/06/2009
An evaluation of a national dancing initiative backed by professionals Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the television programme Strictly Come Dancing found that children's attitudes to exercise changed as a result of introducing dance to PE lessons.
Ballroom dancing to be taught in schools
22/06/2009
It's Latin, Julius, but not as we knew it. Latin will make a comeback from today in all state schools, but it will be in the shape of dance lessons rather than the classics.
'Essentially Dance' Pilot Project Evaluation Report
22/06/2009
The Essentially Dance pilot scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons can improve children’s fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, says the Roehampton University evaluation report for The Aldridge Foundation.
School ballroom dancing scheme improves children’s fitness, social skills and classroom behaviour
22/06/2009
A scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons can improve children's fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, says a report launched today (June 22) with dancers Darren and Lilia from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV Show.
Scheme to teach ballroom dance in PE lessons gains cross party support
22/06/2009
A scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons has gained cross party support from MPs. The Essentially Dance pilot scheme, funded by the Aldridge Foundation, and developed with dancers Darren and Lilia from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV Show, has been shown to improve children's fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, according to a report published today (June 22).
Images of proposed new Brighton school go on show
22/06/2009
An exhibition of the designs for a new academy school will go on display today.
Dance Fever
19/06/2009
School ballroom dancing schemes can boost pupils' fitness, social skills and behaviour, a report out next week will reveal. More than 2,500 children aged five to 17 took part in the pilot scheme, funded by the Aldridge Foundation, which trained school staff to teach the cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive and quickstep in PE lessons. The study found 80 per cent of the children enjoyed the lessons, describing them as "cool".
The Future of Academies
16/06/2009
The Academy system has been the centre of attention in the educational world since it was created in 2004. Rod Aldridge delivered his a presentation at the Campaign for Learning centre in London talking about the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy and the new Falmer Academy (to be open in 2010).
Putting savings in place
11/06/2009
The public sector is facing huge pressure to drastically reduce costs, placing public services under immense strain. Local authorities have been traditionally good at finding efficiency savings, making their pounds stretch further. While this approach of spreading the pain across the board may sustain small efficiency savings, the current budget shortfall will never be met this way. The current situation requires something much bigger; a new bold strategic approach needs to be applied to public expenditure and services at a local level.
Darwen students learn from London fashion stylist
05/06/2009
On Tuesday, friend of the Foundation, Anne Look, became a teacher for a day. She wrote...
The Aldridge Foundation Academies a sponsors vision
01/06/2009
The Aldridge Foundation have designed their academies to be community hubs, which are an asset to the whole community and drive regeneration, rather than solely focusing on improved educational attainment, writes Sally Ritchie, the Foundation's Academies Director.
A new culture of thrift
21/05/2009
So, thrift is fast becoming the buzz word of 2009. In his speech at the Conservative Spring Party Conference David Cameron told his shadow cabinet that: "If ministers want to impress the boss, they'll have to make their budgets smaller, not bigger. On my watch it will be simple: if you do more for less you get promoted; if you do less for more, you get sacked…Got it?"
Kier Group appointed to undertake the construction of the new Falmer Academy
12/05/2009
Brighton & Hove City Council has appointed Crawley-based Kier Group to undertake the construction of the new Falmer Academy. Work will commence this summer, with phase one of the new building ready for staff and students to move into in September 2010.
Darwen Students get sneak preview of Kevin Spacey's Exclusive Art Installation
09/05/2009
Students from The Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA) were among the first in the country to get a sneak preview of Tunnel 228, the eagerly anticipated art installation project produced by Kevin Spacey’s Old Vic Theatre, which is set in the vaults beneath London’s Waterloo Station.
Reach Out prototyping
05/05/2009
With the appointment of the principal designate of Falmer Academy - Philomena Hogg – last week and the decision concerning the design of the building being made soon it is an exciting time for all those involved in the academy.
May 2009 Update
02/05/2009
May 2009: Aldridge Foundation’s Falmer Academy appoints Principal; Aldridge Foundation funded community project enters prototype stage; Rod Aldridge lectures on the future of the public sector; Rod Aldridge speaks at launch of new graduate entrepreneurship scheme; Foundation hosts roundtable on Public-Private Partnerships [PPP];
Kids can step ahead with jiving lessons
28/04/2009
The sports hall at St Pius X Catholic High School in Rotherham is packed with kids dancing the jive. Instructed by Strictly Come Dancing professionals Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova the children are focused, enthusiastic and attentive.
Principal Designate Appointed to New Falmer Academy
28/04/2009
Rod Aldridge, Sponsor of the Falmer Academy and Chair of the Aldridge Foundation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Philomena (Phil) Hogg as Principal Designate of Falmer Academy, near Brighton. She will take up her post as Principal Designate in September 2009 and become Principal when the academy opens in September 2010.
Interning at The Aldridge Foundation
27/04/2009
My experience working with Rod and the team has been.. well.. awesome. Over the course of three weeks I have worked on a number of different research projects including developing a programme model that would raise the aspirations of the young people at the DACA and Falmer academies (watch this space for future developments).
Artist's impressions of Darwen Academy unveiled
23/04/2009
New artist’s impressions of Darwen’s “state-of-the-art” academy have been unveiled.
Young underachievers meet with ministers
20/04/2009
User Voice recently invited a group of ten young people who find it difficult to engage with formal education and who have experience of abuse, neglect, educational underachievement and drugs and alcohol to London. Some have come into contact with youth justice and the others are at risk of doing so.
Report to Sponsors
17/04/2009
A comprehensive overview of the work performed and published by the Centre for Public Service Partnerships, compiled by the Centre Director John Tizard.
How ever did we get here?
16/04/2009
Whether you are a parent or the Principal of a school, the Chief Executive of a local authority, a senior civil servant, a Minister or an MP, I defy anyone not to feel disturbed by the statistics set out below.
The best party in town
14/04/2009
The students from our Academy in Darwen had two fantastic days before the end of term. Every year group took part in different activities ranging from Eco Day, Starchaser rocket launching, Design and run an airline, Army survival including climbing wall, archery and ‘staying safe’ with Police, RAF, Fire service. Brendan Loughran, our Principal, summed the two days up saying “the staff and students have had a great time and lived up to the ideal that school should be the best party in town.”
Year Two of Young Speakers
07/04/2009
Last week in a regular catch-up meeting it was great to hear that We Are What We Do's second year of the Young Speakers Programme is set to be so exciting. The project, funded by The Aldridge Foundation and by v, will see another 200 young people selected from schools around the country. They will attend two-day residential programmes, where they will receive specialist training in public speaking, campaigning and new media, and then be given the tools they need to spread messages which should lead to development of stronger community relations. A brand new digital platform will also enable them to create their own campaigns and develop new ideas for materials and methods.
We Are What We Do Announces Results of Year 1 of the Young Speakers Programme
06/04/2009
We Are What We Do, the social change organisation behind the bestselling book, Change the World for a Fiver and the iconic “I’m not a plastic bag” project proudly announced details of the impact of the first year of its Young Speakers Programme today.
April 2009 Update
02/04/2009
April 2009: Aldridge Foundation engages with Prince's Charities Council; Aldridge Foundation funded pilot of Essentially Dance continues; Rod Aldridge and Aldridge Foundation lead in new project on public service reform; New Darwen Aldridge Community Academy rises from the ground.
Citizenship First? Compelling, not compulsory
13/03/2009
Rod Aldridge's response to Citizenship first: the case for compulsory civic service, Frank Field and James Crabtree's call for compulsory civic service for all young people.
Volunteering - its time has come
11/03/2009
With National Volunteering Week here, it is timely to say, as chair of v – the national charity established to inspire a million more young volunteers – I have seen the power of volunteering first hand.
NESTA Lab launch
10/03/2009
Today saw the launch of the NESTA Lab, within their Public Services Innovation Summit. The aim was to build a national debate about the need for bold, radical innovation within public services in the context of severely constrained public finances. The summit opened with a good dose of seventies funk, what better way to facilitate innovation! The summit took the form a collaborative 'DesignSession' format. In practice this meant discussion groups, which fed back to the main group.
An Enterprising Education
03/03/2009
EB talks to Brendan Loughran, principal at the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, about the challenges of starting an academy and how the academy tackles educational issues.
March 2009 Update
02/03/2009
March 2009: Aldridge Foundation takes part in launch of Essentially Dance; Darwen Aldridge Community Academy hosts visit from top civil servant; Rod Aldridge leads debate on Academies roles in Communities; Aldridge Foundation pleased to support second year of Young Speakers Programme; New Aldridge Foundation website launched.
Strictly Come Learning
01/03/2009
PACK up the PlayStation, say bye-bye to burgers and shun the sofa. Children of today, your grandparents are suddenly trendy, because ballroom dancing is back and it’s the new way to get fit. After six series of the immensely popular Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1, the dance extravaganza is now heading to your school, as Hilary Douglas discovers...
Aldridge Foundation calls on local authorities to support scheme to improve children’s fitness
27/02/2009
The Aldridge Foundation is calling on local authorities to support a scheme bringing ballroom and Latin dance into schools to improve children's fitness and self-esteem.
Children’s minister welcomes pilot scheme to bring ballroom dancing into schools
24/02/2009
Ed Balls, the Children, Schools, and Families Secretary, has welcomed a pilot scheme launched today (February 24) with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from BBC's Strictly Come Dancing show to bring ballroom and Latin dance into school PE lessons.
From the classroom to the ballroom
24/02/2009
Ed Balls, the Children, Schools, and Families Secretary, has welcomed a pilot scheme launched today to bring ballroom and Latin dance into school PE lessons.
Dancing steps up pupils' fitness
24/02/2009
Dancing is taking centre stage in a government scheme to help get schoolchildren fit.
Strictly stars get kids dancing
24/02/2009
Darren and Lilia get schools dancing
24/02/2009
Schools take on ballroom dancing
24/02/2009
Over 25 primary and secondary schools in England are taking part in a pilot scheme in ballroom dancing.
Strictly stars show Kent kids their moves
24/02/2009
Stars from the popular show Strictly Come Dancing have come to Kent to launch a scheme to bring ballroom and Latin moves into school PE lessons.
Strictly Come Dancing Stars Launch Dancing Project for Schools
24/02/2009
Bromley school children today got the chance to practice their ballroom and Latin dance skills with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing show.
Dance scheme launched in Brighton schools
24/02/2009
Today will see schoolchildren from all over Brighton learn how to dance courtesy of two television stars.
Two Launches
23/02/2009
Welcome to our brand new website! We hope that it gives you all the information you need, and if there is more information you would like on anything, just contact us.
Strictly Come Dancing comes ... to school
23/02/2009
Ballroom dancing is set to become the latest craze in classrooms across Britain, as part of an effort to harness the success of the television show Strictly Come Dancing to combat childhood obesity.
Strictly improved behaviour is a winner
20/02/2009
It returned Bruce Forsyth to fashion. It put John Sergeant on the front page of every national newspaper. And now, it appears, ballroom dancing is having an impact on schoolchildren's behaviour.
Children to Get Dancing
18/02/2009
A scheme has been launched which hopes to get pupils fit and healthy through dance.
TV dance show stars teach Brighton school children ballroom dancing
18/02/2009
On Tuesday February 24 Brighton school children will get the chance to practice their ballroom and Latin dance skills with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show.
School scheme to improve children’s fitness through ballroom dancing
17/02/2009
Over 2,500 school students aged 5-18 are being asked to take their partners for the Cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive and quick step in a pilot scheme aimed at improving their health and self-esteem by learning ballroom and Latin dancing.
TV dance show stars teach Bromley school children to jive
17/02/2009
On Tuesday February 24 Bromley school children will get the chance to practice their ballroom and Latin dance skills with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show.
Dancing stars help pupils get fit
10/02/2009
Two Strictly Come Dancing stars are to help children to waltz, jive and cha cha cha their way to better health, it has been announced. Professional dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova have recorded a DVD to help teachers and classroom assistants teach ballroom and Latin steps to children. Two Strictly Come Dancing stars are to help children to waltz, jive and cha cha cha their way to better health, it has been announced.
Strictly Come Dancing stars jive back to school
02/02/2009
Lucky Barnsley youngsters from Hoyland St Helen's RC Primary School were the first in the county to take part – with a workshop and question- and-answer session, for them and other children at neighbouring St Michael's School, in Wombwell.
Children learn to cha-cha-cha instead of chow-chow-chow
23/01/2009
The moment Strictly Come Dancing star Darren Bennett lets on to the group of Salford schoolchildren that they are about to learn a cha-cha-cha, two robust 10-year-olds with shaven heads grab each other and begin waltzing energetically on the spot.
Strictly Come Dancing stars' tips for Darwen pupils
22/01/2009
TWO hundred children from Darwen learnt some new moves today when they met stars from the Strictly Come Dancing television show.
Strictly Come Dancing stars teach Salford pupils
19/01/2009
Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova will lead the launch of a pilot for a new schools’ initiative for ballroom and Latin American dance, Essentially Dance.
Just because you're born in certain circumstances you shouldn't have to be stuck with that
14/01/2009
With social mobility in the spotlight, Rod Aldridge tells David Allaby why he's still working so hard at breaking down business and social barriers.
Better out than in?
09/01/2009
With the public sector forced to make huge efficiency savings, outsourcing is one likely option. But the recession has taken its toll on private sector suppliers and some might not survive. So what can be done? PF convened a round table of experts to discuss this dilemma. Anat Arkin reports
Centre cannot hold
09/01/2009
The one part of the public sector that has resisted outsourcing is central government. Would-be suppliers need to take a different approach to change this, says Rod Aldridge
Academic Achievements
01/01/2009
Rod Aldridge, Chairman of the Aldridge Foundation, discusses the importance of the role of the sponsor in driving partnerships in the academy programme.
The time has come to be uncharitable
12/12/2008
The sector has reached a watershed and needs to change dramatically if it is to achieve its potential. It could be that the current financial pressure will prove to be the catalyst for such a change.
Entrepreneurs to the fore
30/10/2008
These are, indeed, difficult times. But in adversity, we need those who create jobs rather than those who expect to receive them. Enter the world of the entrepreneur.
Disharmony over Royal Opera’s plan to go north
28/10/2008
A proposal drawn up by Manchester city council and the Royal Opera House - to be presented to the culture secretary, Andy Burnham, this week - suggests that the Palace Theatre in the city centre undergo a £100m refurbishment to transform it into a first-class home for lyric theatre and ballet.
Academy sponsor pledges to lift Darwen pupils' aspirations
16/10/2008
The man who has put his name and money into the Darwen academy has insisted “it’s not all about me.”
Vocal support is a great boost
15/10/2008
We Are What We Do's new book will get 30 'change the world' ideas out to a big audience - and its young speakers will help that process.
Academy is smart investment for all
10/08/2008
I love Brighton. I was born here, went to school here, worked here and still have a home here. I am now very proud to be the sponsor of the proposed academy at Falmer High School.
Academies 'strangled by poor builders'
25/07/2008
The academies programme is being "strangled" by firms making a swift profit out of building the schools but performing poorly, a sponsor has warned ministers.
Ex-Capita head is now a social entrepreneur
22/07/2008
Say what you like about Capita, the company that Rod Aldridge founded - although someone will have said it before, and probably with more four-letter words - the firm is a byword for getting the private sector to work with the public sector.
Would like to meet…Rod Aldridge
25/06/2008
Having founded the Capita Group in 1984, Rod Aldridge is now making his presence felt in the third sector. From establishing his own foundation to chairing the youth volunteering charity v, Sandra Haurant finds out how his move from the private sector has panned out.
Preventing the causes of crime
19/06/2008
The current problems in the criminal justice system are well-rehearsed. Within two years of release, almost two-thirds of former prisoners re-offend. This rises to three-quarters among young offenders. The cost to the taxpayer is an estimated £11bn each year.
Sponsoring Academies: Learning Lessons
30/05/2008
Academies have been attacked as the playthings of their sponsors. This is unfair, argues Rod Aldridge, who sponsors two of the schools. They’re all about hard work and giving better options to pupils and communities in deprived areas
Capita founder tries to turn criminals into entrepreneurs
11/05/2008
Rod Aldridge is using his business skills and wealth to give reformed offenders a fresh start
Academy Funding Agreement brings certainty to fresh start
08/05/2008
Although the Academy will initially open in a temporary home, the staff are determined to create the new ethos from the outset. There will be some limited environmental improvements to the school buildings on the Darwen Moorland site, but these improvements will be targeted to have the maximum impact on student learning, for instance in the introduction of mobile laptop technology for students. Again, the Academy has listened to the ‘student voice’ and there will be a new Student Services provision and dedicated student reception, new and improved toilet facilities and the introduction of lockers for students. There will also be a dedicated space for the new sixth form and a small-scale entrepreneurship centre.
Heathrow Terminal 5 – a lesson in delivery
24/04/2008
Built to budget and completed on time, Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport has been described as one of the most breathtaking man-made spaces in modern Britain.
Young people stand up for the small things to change the world
01/04/2008
We Are What We Do, the organisation behind the best selling book, Change the World for a Fiver, Anya Hindmarch’s "I'm NOT a Plastic Bag” and the forthcoming Change the World book for and by children has joined forces with national volunteering charity, TimeBank, on a programme empowering young volunteers to spread the word that small actions x lots of people = big change.
Financial Management – the devil is in the detail
06/03/2008
The NAO report Managing financial resources to deliver better public services is a very telling document.
An entrepreneur with soul
01/03/2008
When Capita founder Rod Aldridge got caught up in the Labour loans scandal he immediately resigned, but it was time to go, he tells Polly Toynbee
New sponsor steps forward to lead Falmer Academy partnership
04/02/2008
One of Brighton and Hove’s most successful entrepreneurs and a national leader of activities to support youth charities has put himself forward as the potential head of a new partnership to sponsor the proposed Falmer Academy in Brighton.
Give users a voice in policy
21/01/2008
It is fascinating to watch the growing emphasis placed on the best way to empower the user voice in the delivery of public services. This has included recent speeches from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on how to make the NHS more user focused. However, there is a world of difference between political rhetoric and reality.
Rod Aldridge: A Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
01/01/2008
Capita founder and entrepreneur Rod Aldridge has set up his own Foundation to offer disadvantaged young people a second chance in life and is asking the awkward questions on shared services, public sector reform and social exclusion.
New Director for Birmingham's Centre for Public Service Partnerships
07/11/2007
The University of Birmingham has appointed John Tizard as the first Director of its Centre for Public Service Partnerships.
Culture is core to regeneration
01/11/2007
The power of culture and art to shape how a community functions is immense. In many parts of the country, culture has played a major role in regenerating communities, economically, environmentally and socially. Cultural services offer the scope to look afresh at the powerful contribution they can make to building cohesion and addressing the most excluded groups. Few services are more willingly embraced by participants and perhaps it is timely to make them more central to tackling social issues.
Academy receives the green light
04/10/2007
Blackburn with Darwen Council and The Aldridge Foundation can now press on with the proposed academy in Darwen, on the existing site at Redearth Road that has already received full planning permission, after being given the go-ahead for using the Redeath site following a Public Inquiry ruling.
Making the most of consultants
01/09/2007
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier last month confirmed findings by the National Audit Office (NAO) that the spending on consultants in the public sector in England in the past three years rose by one-third to £2.8billion in 2005/2006.
Advent International appoints interim advisory board for Lloyds Registrars
18/07/2007
Advent International, one of the world's leading global private equity firms, today announced the appointment of Bob Thian (chairman), Rod Aldridge OBE (non-executive) and Oliver Niedermaier (non-executive) to an interim advisory board pending completion of Advent’s acquisition of Lloyds TSB Registrars. These individuals, all of whom have agreed to co-invest with Advent International, will become non-executive directors of Newco (Lloyds TSB Registrars) upon completion, which is expected before the end of 2007 subject to regulatory approval.
Consulting in-house brings added benefits
05/07/2007
Recently the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) confirmed that spending on consultants in the public sector in England in the past three years rose by one-third to £2.8bn in 2005/2006. Of this sum, central government accounted for £1.8bn, and while it is difficult to say how much is attributable to local government, according to the London Centre of Excellence, £170m was spent by London boroughs alone last year.
Procurement: Reality and openness all round is what is needed now
10/05/2007
The recent report for the Improvement and Development Agency, The Future Shape of Local Authorities' Workforces, based on interviews with chief executives, recognises the reality of job reductions in local government. It confirms that the directly employed workforce is likely to reduce in size over the next three years as transactional support services are re-engineered and outsourced, or placed into collaborative shared service arrangements.
Offshoring: How much longer will offshoring be off the table for local government?
15/03/2007
Just last month the Department of Health gave permission for 60% of accounting and finance functions in its partnership with Xansa to be outsourced to India. This decision by government could prove to be a watershed in the offshoring of the back office of public services. The joint venture, NHS Shared Business Services, delivers accounting services including payment of invoices, expenses claims and payroll for 142 NHS trusts to the health service. As well as already cutting its back office costs by 32 %, the NHS benefits by getting half the profits of the venture. Over the next decade £224million is planned to be diverted to frontline services.
Shared services - fine in principle but will it happen in reality?
18/01/2007
The case for shared services has long been argued and documented in numerous government reports. However, on the ground little progress has been achieved. With the 2007 comprehensive spending review likely to task public bodies with saving at least 3% a year and many chief executives claiming that this will affect front line services, why have back office inefficiencies largely been ignored?
New chairman of The Lowry
01/01/2007
The Lowry, a hugely popular and award-winning arts venue on Salford Quays, today announces that Rodney Aldridge OBE is the new Chairman, following the sad and untimely death earlier this year of former Chair, Charles Levison.
New Principle for the Academy in Darwen announced
01/11/2006
Rod Aldridge, Sponsor of the Academy to replace Darwen Moorland High School in September 2008, today confirmed his commitment to making the Academy happen by announcing the appointment of the new Principal, Brendan Loughran.
The Third Sector: Why the courting must get serious
16/02/2006
The Government and opposition parties have recently gone to great lengths to court the third sector.
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