At the end of the last academic year, we were able to inform you at the extra ordinary meeting of a journey the school has been on towards Voluntary Aided Status. This was an incredibly exciting meeting and one which will pinpoint a revolutionary and historical move forwards for the school. The King’s School, as far as we know, will be the first Christian School in the United Kingdom to become Voluntary Aided. Our vision as stated in July is to make a greater impact and contribution in our city and to lead the way for other Christian Schools in our nation to follow. Sir Francis Drake once prayed this prayer: “Lord, disturb me with a dream so big that I do not know how it will be accomplished”. At The King’s School, we have been ‘disturbed’ by the vision of being able to impact many more young lives for God by becoming Voluntary Aided and ploughing a furrow so that other Christian Schools in our nation can follow. We know from the response we have had from so many of you that you are as excited as we are. So what has happened since July?
- Mr Southey and Mr Mace have written a first draft of an admissions policy for The King’s Voluntary Aided School.
- Mr Southey has had another very positive meeting with the Diocesan Director, Mr Howard Worsley.
- A letter has been sent to the Local Authority with our request to become a Voluntary Aided School from September 2010.
- Mr Mace has had a meeting with a member of The Christian Centre Leadership team to explore a number of ways in which we can establish demand for us to operate as a Voluntary Aided School.
- We have received financial gifts to help this process of £1,000 which when gift aided amounts to about £1,300.
- We have received an incredibly generous offer to match any funds given, up to a maximum of £5,000. This means that as we receive financial gifts to help this process, each gift will be matched by the same amount.
- One parent, a qualified teacher, has kindly given their time to teach two lessons a week. This has reduced Mr Southey’s teaching load.
- A parent is giving half a day a week to help with the extra admin work.
So how can you get involved and feel part of this amazing journey? You as parents are our most vital resource in advertising our vision and the many benefits of becoming a Voluntary Aided school and so we invite you to inspire your friends and family with your enthusiasm and excitement. We already have an admissions waiting list from 2010 onwards and are taking names now from those who may be interested in enrolling when we open as a VA school. You can encourage those you come into contact with to register their interest by putting their child’s name on the list. This will in no way commit them, but will play an important and vital role in us being able to demonstrate to the Local Authority the level of enquiry being made. We must strongly stress that this simply registers an interest. Don’t forget to tell them that there will be no school fees to pay when we are Voluntary Aided! Your help and support in this will be greatly appreciated. You can further help by:
- Standing with us in prayer. Anything born of God is first birthed in prayer!
- Giving your time. There is an amazing amount of work to be done! If you can give time to help with administrative requirements, please call the school. Any time that you can give will help us and will be greatly appreciated!
- Giving financially. To make this happen will require finance. Please pray and ask God if he is calling you to be part of this process by giving financially. We have calculated that £10,000 would be a great amount to realize our vision.
- Teaching. If you are able or know of anybody who can teach some Mathematics or Geography, in order to release Mr Southey and Mr Mace from some of their teaching responsibilities so that they are able to spend more time working on this process, please contact the school.
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