Going for specialist school status: perspectives from a front line head of department

Abstract

The expansion of Specialist Subject Schools (SSS) will cost taxpayers £113 million in start-up costs in the next three years, taking the annual cost of the programme to £373 million (Times Educational Supplement [TES], 2003). This paper adopts a case study approach, examining the processes, outcomes and implications of the bidding period and the first year of being a Specialist Subject School, from the perspective of the head of the major department involved. Whilst immediate outcomes are undoubtedly positive for all involved, serious issues are revealed concerning sustainability.