The Barnfield Federation

Our federal vision

"To build Britain's highest performing federation, where customer needs are met, students are happy, successful and reach their full potential"

In October 2005, the college approached DCSF with a view to sponsoring two underperforming 11 - 16 secondary schools as a part of the Government's academy programme.   In January 2006,  a ground breaking decision was made by the Secretary of State for Education to support this proposal,  and on 1st September 2007 the schools opened as academies as a part of The Barnfield Federation - the college was the first in the country to initiate and achieve this objective.

These two schools had failed the students for many years and were listed amongst the worst in the country. 

Both schools: 

  • were in special measures
  • had had a number of head teachers
  • were, and are still, in old buildings
  • had approximately 30% of leavers becoming NEET each year (not in education employment or training)
  • both were at the foot of the Luton GCSE league tables
  • had poor Ofsted inspections over many years
  • had low staff morale
  • students, staff and parents lacked confidence in the school
  • were at the bottom of the Luton schools league table
  • had students that came from a range of challenging circumstances

The college, led by the Principal and Chief Executive, believed that they could transfer the colleges DNA into the schools and make them successful.

The principle purpose and objectives were to:  

  • form a college led federation to raise standards and GCSE outcomes in the two schools
  • provide students with every opportunity to succeed in a safe, healthy and supportive environment
  • reduce the number of school leavers that became NEET each year, by ensuring progression to further study or employment
  • create a federated structure that would provide excellent value for money and lead to sustainable success
  • develop a positive "can do" culture that encourages partnership working
  • provide enhanced services to support community cohesion and area regeneration
  • build two brand new academies at a total cost of £60 million by March 2010.

Main outcomes - in two years since their creation

 West Academy

  • 100% of students received 5A* - C grades (without English & Maths)  - an increase of 54% in 2 years
  • 55% of students received 5A* - C grades (with English & Maths)  - an increase of 39% in 2 years

 South Academy

  •  56% of students received 5A* - C grades (without English & Maths)  - an increase of 41% in 2 years
  • 40% of students received 5A* - C grades (with English & Maths)  - an increase of 23% in 2 years

*All results subject to verification.