AN Evesham school has been selected to become one of 87 Teaching School Hubs in England.

After seven years as a teaching school, which has seen the development of the School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme, Prince Henry’s High School has been selected by the Department for Education to become one of the hubs.

These newly designated hubs will provide professional development opportunities for teachers and school leaders, including playing a key role in supporting trainee teachers as they start their careers.

The Department for Education has defined a geographical area for each hub, and Prince Henry’s will be working with schools across Wychavon, Worcester, Malvern Hills, Wyre Forest and Herefordshire.

Roger Pope, principal at Kingsbridge Academy and chairman of the National College of Teaching and Leadership, said: ‘This is a tremendous programme that offers teachers world-class support along a clear career pathway.

“Having piloted the programme for a year, we have seen the enthusiastic response from schools and the positive difference the programme is making to teachers.’

Dr Tony Evans, headteacher of Prince Henry’s added: ‘We are delighted to be recognised by the Department for Education and designated as a Teaching School Hub.

“We have worked for many years with schools across Worcestershire and Herefordshire and we have seen huge strides in recent years in relation to provision for initial teacher training, professional development opportunities and support for schools.

“The Teaching School Hub will allow these opportunities to be taken to the next level, and will be a huge benefit for pupils and students in the years to come. In writing the bid, I would like to thank Antonia Lungley, deputy headteacher and in particular, Andy Duffy, our SCITT director who has successfully developed our SCITT during the past four years.”

Meanwhile, Pershore High School has been selected to be part of the the Department of Education’s school rebuilding programme this year.

The government announced Pershore High will be among 50 schools to have buildings replaced or refurbished.