This is an open letter regarding the proposal to establish an all-through academy on Portland; a locally-driven initiative, started and developed by our schools, not being imposed by central or local government. We are committed to creating a 21st Century world-class learning environment here on Portland, with Portland, for Portland, because we believe our children and young people deserve the very best education there is to offer. Portland is a wonderful place, but we ignore challenges at our peril; the statistics quoted to support our case are official and confirmed. We hope to improve life chances through early intervention and providing consistent support for families by developing a multi-agency approach, built on the existing locality strategy, to enable a coherent community-centred approach to tackling key issues and seeking to raise achievement.

Problems caused by transition, particularly between primary and secondary schools, are widely acknowledged. To address this, a number of all-through schools/academies have been established which provide a seamless learning experience, with consistent teaching methods, a sharing of experience and good practice and social continuity, as well as a continuity of services for families. We were delighted when Professor Stephen Heppell accepted our request to become lead sponsor as he is widely acknowledged as ‘the’ national expert on new learning environments.

He has close family here and his grandchildren would be among the youngest members of our academy.

Dorset County Council will act as co-sponsor which will provide a strong link to the wider family of Dorset schools. We are also assembling a remarkable range of partners, each pledged to making a significant difference to our children’s future. The next step is to consult widely to help develop the vision and we will be working with all parents and carers, as well as with the community, teachers, support staff and, of course, our children, to get the many details just right.

Notice of meetings will be given through the schools and in the local press.

The plan is to build on proven and effective existing success, such as maintaining the small scale of our existing schools, and work with schools already having success with any new ideas, to establish a truly outstanding facility. Do please join us in establishing Portland’s new academy, at the heart of social, cultural, family and educational life on Portland.

We very much look forward to ‘building Portland’s future’ together. Jane Hurdiss and Debbie Smith, Headteacher and chairman of governors, Grove Infant School Neil McDermott and Wayne Day, Headteacher and chairman of governors, Chesil Cove Federation Stuart McLeod and David Louch, Headteacher and chairman of governors, Southwell Primary School Paul Green and Gill Watkin, Headteacher and chairman of governors, Royal Manor Arts Colleg