A NEW era in education dawned locally last week when Tavistock College became the first Co-operative Trust School in West Devon.

The new co-operative structure will give everyone in the college's community an opportunity to be involved in the running of the new mutual trust which will hold the school's assets 'in trust' on behalf of its stakeholders.

Anyone with an interest in the college, including students, teachers, parents, employers and neighbours, will be encouraged to become members of the trust. They will then be able to elect representatives to a college forum, which will meet on a regular basis, to ensure those in positions of responsibility remain sensitive to the needs, views and aspirations of the different stake-holding groups.

The co-operative or mutual model is based on open membership, equal democratic participation — one member, one vote — and clear accountability of those in charge to those for whom services are provided.

The forum will be responsible for helping to develop the ethos of the school while providing support and a sounding board for the governors, as well as building links between the trust and the local community.

Helen Salmon, principal of Tavistock College, said: 'By becoming a co-operative trust we will build on the already improving relationship with all our stakeholders.

'A co-operative trust allows a more formal mechanism for consultation and engagement driven by co-operative values but centred in the community.

'We are proud to be at the forefront of this significant educational initiative that provides greater local accountability.

'Tavistock College is an inclusive school with academic results improving to 64% 5A* - C (including English and maths) in 2011. We welcome this exciting opportunity to work in partnership with the international Co-operative movement.'

Russell Gill, head of membership at the Co-operative Group, said: 'The co-operative model allows all stakeholders greater participation in the running of the school and our values, that date back more than 150 years, offer schools an ethos which we believe can lead to higher standards, aspirations and achievements.'