More trust schools announced

The government has announced that it will create 115 more trust schools in addition to the 42 already open, in an attempt to push up GCSE standards.

Among the new schools is the UK's first co-operative school, where pupils, parents and teachers contributing to how the school is run..

Lord Adonis, the schools minister, yesterday revealed that trust schools would be used to improve standards in schools which see less than 30 per cent of pupils achieve five good GCSEs.

Trust schools, which are attached to a sponsor business or charity, are a key part of the Department for Education and Skills' education strategy, with the collaborations highlighted as giving schools "a new sense of purpose" and a strong, self-confident ethos.

Sponsors for the new schools include Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Microsoft and Unilever.

The new co-operative school - Reddish Vale Technology College in Stockport - will hold an open forum to discuss the running of the establishment, and will work alongside partners the Co-operative group and Co-operative college.

Andrew Adonis, the schools minister, said: "Trusts are a fantastic way for schools to bring in the energy and expertise of external partners."