Free school pupils into semis (From Leigh Journal)

Atherton free school pupils impress judges

3:10pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News

Students at Atherton Community School have progressed to the semi-finals of ‘The School we’d like’ competition.

The competition, backed by The Guardian Teacher Network and Zurich Municipal, is open to primary, secondary and special schools throughout the country and offers a £5,000 first prize in each category to the school that demonstrates how an idea can change their school for the better.

“ACS entered the secondary school challenge and submitted a fantastic bid for a sustainable internet cafe that would not only benefit our school but the wider Atherton community,” said school Principal Mrs Elizabeth Haddock. “We are so proud of the achievements of our year 7 students who worked completely independently to come up with their idea. We wish them all the very best as they represent their school and community."

Students at Manchester's first free school followed strict criteria including evidence of financial planning, architectural designs, sustainability, survey analysis and leadership development in their competition bid to develop an internet cafe.

ACS students and eight other schools will present their ideas to judges at The Life Science Centre in Newcastle on January 31 with the prospect of a place in the national finals.