TAVISTOCK College is one of six schools in Devon to become ?pathfinders? for Schools Trust status. The Government has accepted a bid from the college, enabling it to investigate the benefits linked with the new status. Essentially, by becoming a trust school, the college would own its own assets, rather than the county. It would become an employer, rather than staff being employed by the county council it would become its own admissions authority and have greater freedom over the curriculum. Colin Eves, Tavistock College principal, said: ?No decision has been made about this yet. It?s an opportunity to find out more about the implications ? to build on all the good working relationships that already exist with the local authority and others..? Mr Eves said Tavistock College, in common with the other schools in the county which are becoming pathfinders, would continue to use exactly the same admissions policy if it was to become a trust school, as it wished to remain a local, community school. ?The interesting bit is that it would enable us to strengthen and enhance the links we have with other bodies, locally, nationally and internationally, in line with our specialist status as a language college.? John Smith, Devon County Council?s executive member for children?s services, said: ?We have been working closely with the schools on this. It is important to be clear that if they do become Trust Schools, they will remain an integral part of the Devon family of schools.? Anne Whitely, Devon?s director of children and young people?s services, said: ?This will be an exciting learning journey on all sides. ?I am sure the involvement of Devon schools will help us to define the evolving roles of secondary schools and the local authority in together raising standards for all children and young people.?
